In a significant move to address the backlog of license plates, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) successfully distributed 1,223 license plates to tricycle operators and drivers in Marikina City on February 7, 2025. The event, which took place on a Friday, was a collaborative effort led by LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, alongside Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and Representative Marjorie Ann Teodoro of Marikina’s 1st District.
Assistant Secretary Mendoza highlighted that this distribution is a step forward in resolving the long-standing issue of license plate backlogs, which began in 2014. He credited the progress to the strong support from President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. Mendoza emphasized that the new plates would aid in the identification and regulation of ‘colorum’ or illegal tricycles, enhancing the enforcement efforts of tricycle operators and drivers’ associations (TODAs) in Marikina.
Mendoza also pointed out the success of a similar initiative in Quezon City, where the distribution of license plates led to the elimination of colorum tricycles. He reassured the public that the LTO is actively working on the backlog, noting that the agency’s plate factory has produced over 800,000 license plates since late 2023.