Manila: The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure to establish a regular Land Transportation Office (LTO) district office in the town of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

According to Philippines News Agency, the measure, authored by Eastern Samar lone-district Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, was approved by the House before Congress adjourned earlier this month. It has since been transmitted to the Senate for consideration.

"Our bill will bring essential LTO services closer to the people of Eastern Samar. A regular district office will be better equipped to serve motorists, vehicle owners, and transport operators in a faster, more efficient and responsive manner," Gonzales said in a statement Tuesday.

"Many of our constituents currently spend considerable time and money traveling to other areas simply to renew their driver's licenses, register their motor vehicles, transfer ownership, secure permits and complete other LTO transactions."

Under House Bill No. 9152, the Guiuan LTO extension office will become a full district office, offering all frontline services such as driver's license applications, renewals, motor vehicle registration, ownership transfers, permits, clearances and other transactions for motorists, vehicle owners and transport operators in Eastern Samar.

The bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary to immediately include the conversion of the Guiuan LTO extension office into a regular district office in the department's program. Funding for the conversion shall be charged to the DOTr's current appropriations, while the amounts necessary for its continued operation shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.