PNoy approves LTO District for Siargao

Photo credit: LTO

By Jun Lira

SURIGAO CITY - First District Representative Francisco Matugas’ dream of creating a separate district office of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for Siargao Island came into fruition with the recent landmark approval of Republic Act No. 10391 which was signed into law by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III on March 14, 2013.

The new law provided for the conversion of the existing LTO Extension Office in the town of Dapa into a regular LTO District Office which will cater to the interests of motorists and the riding public of Siargao Island comprising nine municipalities which include Dapa, Del Carmen, San Isidro, Burgos, Santa Monica, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito and Socorro.

“The establishment of an LTO District for Siargao Island will pave the way for the hiring of additional personnel to complement a bigger workforce intended for the area,” said Rep. Matugas.

Matugas said that with the new LTO district office, the transportation sector and the riding public in the country’s surfing capital can expect an improved service particularly in the enforcement of land transportation rules and regulations, inspection and registration of motor vehicles, issuances of licenses and permits, adjudication of traffic cases and the collection of revenues for the government.

“All these will have a positive effect for the wholesome packaging of Siargao Island as one of the major tourist destinations in the country,” Matugas added.

The lawmaker likewise expressed elation on President Aquino’s approval of R.A. 10391 saying it only showed the president’s preferential attention on him as one of Liberal Party’s major political leaders in Caraga Region.

Matugas said he is donating a lot for the future construction of the LTO district office in the town of Dapa.  

Pursuant to R.A. 10391, the DOTC Secretary was mandated to issue rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of the same and to immediately include the operationalization of the new LTO district office in his department’s programs wherein its initial funding shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of Dapa LTO Extension Office. Thereafter, the operational funding for the new LTO district office shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Principally authored by Rep. Francisco Matugas and co-authored by Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr., Republic Act No. 10391 was favorably endorsed for approval of the president by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile.  (FEA/ST)

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