VEHICLE owners in Central Visayas, especially those with units registered in 2017 and earlier, must claim their license plates as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 set to implement the “No Plate, No Travel” policy starting mid-August.
LTO 7 Director Glen Galario told reporters on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, that there are no more backlogs in plate production and thousands are now ready for release across various district offices in the region.
However, a significant number remain unclaimed, particularly among the tricycles-for-hire under the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (Toda) in cities like Mandaue.
Galario attributed the issue of unclaimed plates to several factors: a lack of awareness among owners, incomplete documentation, and a disconnect between vehicle owners and their original registrants or operators.
He said many tricycle drivers, for instance, are unaware their plates are ready or lack crucial records like engine numbers or motor vehicle file numbers needed for verification in the LTO system.
To bridge this gap, Galario met with Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano on Wednesday and sought the city’s assistance in organizing and supporting the release of these unclaimed plates.
He said Ouano expressed his support and committed to assist the LTO in regulating and documenting unregistered Toda units in the city.
Part of their support includes coordinating with Toda leaders to gather updated lists of tricycles still operating without official plates.
The City Government will also help provide access to local registration records, which will aid the LTO in verifying vehicle information.
Galario emphasized that if a unit lacks a plate, but complete information is provided, the LTO may assign one accordingly.
Vehicle owners can check the availability and location of their plates through the LTO’s online tracking system at ltotracker.com.
“There’s no reason they can’t get their plates. They’re already available, but the owners themselves really need to go to the LTO and verify their records,” Galario said.
Although an exact count of unclaimed plates is unavailable, Galario confirmed that over 100,000 license plates have arrived in Region 7, with many still waiting for owners.
He reiterated that the Oct. 31 deadline to clear all plate backlogs remains in effect and vehicles still using temporary or improvised plates will not be allowed on the road once the stricter policy begins in mid-August. / CAV