BACKLOG WIPED OUT
LTO announces resolution of millions-strong license plate backlog
MANILA, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced that it has finally resolved the long-standing backlog of millions of license plates for motor vehicles, a problem that has persisted for a decade. The agency confirmed that as of June 30, 2025, it had produced a total of 18,578,612 plates, effectively clearing the accumulation that began in 2014.
The achievement comes in compliance with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to address the issue. LTO Chief, Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, had previously committed to President Marcos that the backlog for both motorcycle and four-wheel vehicle plates would be eliminated by June 2025, following assurances of necessary government support.
Acting Assistant Secretary and LTO Chief, Atty. Greg G. Pua, expressed the agency’s satisfaction, stating, “We are elated and excited to announce that your LTO was able to comply with the commitment to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. that there will be no backlog for both motorcycle and four-wheel vehicles plates by June 2025.” He also quoted Mendoza, saying: “‘Sa Bagong Pilipinas, lahat may plaka na’ (In the New Philippines, everyone has a plate).”
The total production figure of 18,578,612 plates includes 11,815,068 motorcycle plates and 6,763,544 motor vehicle plates (equating to 3,381,772 pairs). Pua attributed this “significant accomplishment” to a “team effort” and the “dedication and perseverance of our Plate Making Plant.”
The license plate backlog originated in 2014 and worsened due to various factors, leading to millions of unproduced plates for both motorcycles and cars. With this major task completed, Pua stated that the LTO is now focusing on the full-scale delivery of the license plates to all affected motorists.
Pua extended gratitude to President Marcos for his focus on resolving the problem and to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon for his “valuable inputs” in accelerating the resolution. He assured clients that the agency would “fast-track the process of delivery and will continue to find ways to do so.” As of the latest data, over seven million plates have already been distributed to their rightful owners.
