Manila: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday mandated the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to modify the lead time for resolving traffic violations to 15 working days and to halt the confiscation of driver's licenses from erring motorists. This directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s initiative to streamline and clarify procedures for addressing traffic violations.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez issued a memorandum on January 9 directing the LTO to cease the confiscation of licenses from apprehended drivers and to review relevant regulations to ensure consistency across all existing policies. The memorandum takes immediate effect, replacing immediate license confiscation with an alert status on the driver's license, which will be suspended or revoked if the violation is not settled.

The adjustment from 15 calendar days to 15 working days for settling traffic violations aims to provide both the government and the public ample time to resolve cases. Lopez explained that holidays and weekends will not be counted in the 15-day lead time for settling violations.

The policy shift follows concerns raised by vlogger James Deakin, who criticized the LTO for inflated charges against his son and the difficulties faced in settling traffic tickets during the holiday season due to the previous 15-calendar day deadline. Deakin shared on social media that Lopez reached out to apologize and outlined the new traffic apprehension changes.

On Wednesday, the LTO reported that Deakin's son was apprehended for reckless driving due to an illegal lane change on the Skyway and for operating an unregistered vehicle.