The Senate has given its final approval to the revised Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, commonly known as the Doble Plaka law, marking a significant shift in policy aimed at alleviating the burdens on motorcycle owners. The amendments, which have been ratified, reflect a responsive approach to governance, as highlighted by Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor Ejercito, the key figure behind these changes.
The updated law, now pending the signature of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., introduces several key modifications. Notably, it eliminates the requirement for a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) on motorcycles, a move intended to reduce costs and regulatory hurdles for owners. Additionally, the law mandates that motorcycle dealers must register new sales within five days, while owners are required to report any sale or transfer within the same timeframe. New owners have 20 days to complete the ownership transfer process.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now obligated to issue registration certificates within two days of receiving all required documents, which must include a clearance from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group. Furthermore, motorcycle dealerships are required to provide annual updates on repossessed vehicles.
Significant reductions in penalties are also part of the revised law. The maximum fine for various offenses, such as driving without a plate or with an unreadable number plate, has been capped at PHP5,000, a substantial decrease from the previous fines that ranged from PHP20,000 to PHP100,000. Similarly, failing to report a lost plate within 72 hours now incurs a PHP5,000 fine, down from PHP20,000 to PHP50,000. The use of stolen number plates now results in fines between PHP10,000 and PHP20,000, and tampering with or covering number plates leads to a six-month to two-year prison term along with a PHP10,000 fine.
The revised law also prohibits the LTO from seizing motorcycles solely for outdated registration, addressing previous criticisms from the riding community about the law’s discriminatory nature. Ejercito emphasized that these changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to fairness and responsiveness, stating, “This is a message to all Filipinos: laws can be rectified when they prove to be unfair or impractical, and we in government are willing to listen.”
The LTO has been granted an extended deadline until June 30, 2026, to fully implement the new provisions related to number plate issuance and compliance. Ejercito is optimistic that President Marcos will soon sign the bill into law, effectively concluding the contentious debate surrounding the Doble Plaka policy.