The Land Transportation Office (LTO) over the weekend scrapped the mandatory medical examination of driver’s license holders with five- and 10-year validity.
LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said he ordered the scrapping of medical exams to help ease the burden of motorists who are periodically required to secure medical clearances.
Based on existing rules, five-year license holders are required to secure medical clearances on the third birthdate from license issuance. Those with 10-year licenses, on the other hand, are scheduled to undergo a medical examination on the fourth (4th) and seventh (7th) birthdates from the issuance of their license.
Tugade said that based on studies and consultations, the failure to undergo periodic medical examinations is not a proven cause of road accidents.
“There’s no empirical data showing that periodic medical examinations could prevent road crashes.”
LTO chief Jay Art Tugade
Thus, Tugade said the mandatory medical examination under LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2285, or the supplemental implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10930, shall only be required before applying for and during renewal of a driver’s license.
“For motorists who will be issued driver’s licenses with five- or 10-year validity, the medical examination shall only be required sixty (60) days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” he said.
Meanwhile, driver’s license holders who are working or living abroad are required to undergo a medical exam within 30 days upon arrival in the Philippines before they can drive vehicles in the country.
“Kami sa LTO ay naniniwalang ang hakbang na ito’y magdudulot ng kaginhawahan sa ating mga kababayang motorista. Bukod sa menos-gastos sa paulit-ulit na medical exam, bawas-abala din lalo na sa mga taong mahalaga ang oras para sa trabaho. Nasa pagkukusa na lang ngayon ng bawat indibidwal kung gusto nilang sumalang sa medical exam,” Tugade said.
