Year in Recap: Motoring Issues of 2018 in the Philippines

Another year is about to end and motorists have both something good and bad to say about every issue that graced and defined what motoring should be. According to some, more ups than downs have been noticed. The improvements of service delivery time of LTO (Land Transportation Office) for those that are registering and renewing their licenses have been appreciated.

This must be due to the fact that Pres. Duterte's pronunciation for lousy government employees is denounced with hatred and an immediate oust to any government agency that employee belongs in. Also, service delivery from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has improved alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) development of numerous infrastructures to improve motorists experience on the road.

But, with the upsides that came along with this year's experiences bring also some nasty issues that have motorist baffling and questioning as to when they will experience such horrible incidents. This article from Philkotse.com gives you a list of the summary of 2018’s motoring issues and what’s in store for 2019.

1. Modified off-roaders vs. LTO

Making noise this year is the outcry from off-roaders that modified their SUV's for the top of the notch auto performance. How horrible would it be to be halted by traffic enforcer and finding out that your traffic violation would have to do with your modified wheels or even raising its heights?

In October 2018, the Philippine Government made it clear that any form of modification is a violation

If you wonder and do some research about the validity of the traffic enforcer's reason for saying that it is indeed a violation, apparently it is. Just this October, the government has made itself clear that any form of modification is a violation.

2. The ultimate Grab-drama

You might have seen it in the news. You might have heard commuter’s negative and positive opinions on the issue but we hope that this will come to an end in 2019. The continued backlash from both LTFRB and Grab has been witnessed by people all throughout the country.

The Grab complaining LTFRB for the supply crisis, while LTFRB complaining about the lack of discipline and the due process that Grab needs to undergo must come to an end. Recently, LTFRB announced that an additional of 20,000 applicants for the TNVS (Transport Network Vehicle Services).

The continued backlash from both LTFRB and Grab has been witnessed by people all throughout the country

3. Motorcycle-hailing company, Angkas

Things between Angkas and various government agencies that control Metro Manila's traffic doesn't seem to have a harmonious relationship, to begin with. This December, the Supreme Court just issued a resolution that prohibits this company from operating again. However, this resolution is fully “obeyed” as numerous claims have been factored in that they are still operational.

The Supreme Court issued a resolution that prohibits the Angkas company from operating again

4. Improved service delivery time of LTO

One of the nastiest tasks in the Philippines (especially if you are a driver) is to renew your license or register for a new one. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is said to be one of the most-talked-about agency because of its poor customer service and slow (turtle-slow) processing of documents for renewal or registration. In a snap of a finger, the process that usually takes days, even weeks to finish, can now be accomplished within the day or as fast as 30 minutes.

5. Edsa's Driver-only ban

Don't get me wrong, you have to applaud MMDA's efforts to initiate this one. At the same time, improvements are noticed by some motorists, particularly in this area. However, its implementation is more paper-based and is postponed.

>>> Read more: Vehicles carrying only a driver inside might be banned along EDSA

Drivers riding alone are now banned in EDSA

6. Tollway regulations for small motorcycle

During the month of August, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) started that strict inspection of patrol units should be done for motorcycles that are suspected to belong under the 400cc category. “Everyone is urged to follow the specification of the engine in determining whether they can pass the expressway or not.” Bert Suansing, TRB spokesperson said.

The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) started that strict inspection of patrol units should be done for motorcycles that are suspected to belong under the 400cc category

7. Motorcycle LEDs and fog lamps

There has been a buzzing confusion regarding the legality of motorcycle LEDs and fog lamps that have created misunderstandings for motorcycle owners and enforcers alike. To break it, the Philippine National Police (PNP) implemented a memorandum of order from the LTO instead of abiding Pres. Decree 96 that deemed such attachments as illegal.

8. Additional costs for car registration

One of the many issues that troubles motorists are the fact that for the upcoming year, registration fees will be increased. The whole fee increase is the intention of the Department of Finance. In an update, an executive order was released to draft the motor vehicle user's charge (MVUC) fee increase. Since the news broke, no further updates were made or known.

For the upcoming year, registration fees will be increased

9. Philippine transportation costs’ rocketed

It might be that due to the fact that TRAIN law took effect that rates and costs rocketed. Fuel costs increased and when it does, so does jeepney fare. Ride-hailing vehicle fees are already expensive as it is and LTFRB has given its approval to various jeepney associations and bus companies to raise its fare as well.

10. Rise and renovations of bridges and roads

All over the country, renovations and improvements are made targeting national highways and bridges. This caused both satisfaction and dismay for both the commuters and drivers in terms of transportation.

Yes, you can see that at least the government is really trying to improve this aspect but, not much planning has been considered before closing the road and informing the public of alternate routes that caused confusion and anger to drivers and commuters.

The traffic flow in Metro Manila has been one of the most talked about and busiest in the whole world

The traffic flow in Metro Manila has been one of the most talked about and busiest in the whole world. Some would say that drivers can be quite stubborn and aggressive towards enforcers that are only doing their job in imposing laws. Some would say that the system has not yet been perfected by the traffic authorities to provide utmost convenience and comfort to both drivers and commuters. Some would even say that rising economic changes and improvements add to the already overflowing number of vehicles that tracks the road every minute of every day.

But, some would conclude that it is up to the driver or car owner to view every motoring obstacle as a learning gap to learn and improve every day. As long as you follow the laws, and keep your cool despite the hectic and scorching traffic life Metro Manila has to offer, you're good and ready to go.

>>> Click to catch latest car news worldwide