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Holders of driver’s licenses are no longer required to undergo periodic medical examination, according to the Land Transportation Office
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A medical exam is still required for those applying for or renewing a driver’s license
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“There’s no empirical data saying that the period medical examination could prevent road crashes,” said LTO chief Jay Art Tugade
Holders of driver’s licenses are no longer required to undergo the periodic medical examination (PME), according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The directive follows amendment of LTO Memorandum Circular 2021-2285 or the Supplemental Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 10930 approved by LTO chief Jay Art Tugade, LTO said a statement on April 16.
A medical exam is, however, still required for those applying for or renewing a driver’s license.
“There’s no empirical data saying that the period medical examination could prevent road crashes,” said Tugade.
Under the old rule, holders of a five-year license must undergo a PME on the third year of the issuance of the license while holders of a ten-year license must do the same on the fourth and seventh year.
“For licenses who will be issued a 5-year validity driver’s license and 10-year validity driver’s license, the medical examination shall only be required sixty (60) days prior to or on the specified renewal date,” said Tugade.
Overseas Filipinos must undergo a medical exam within 30 days from the time they arrive in the Philippines before they are allowed to drive.
“Kami sa LTO ay naniniwala na ang hakbang na ito ay magdudulot ng bahagyang ginhawa sa publiko dahil bukod sa hindi na sila kailangang gumastos ng paulit-ulit para sa medical examinations, maiiwasan din ang dagdag-abala lalo na sa mga mahalaga ang oras para sa trabaho. Nasa pagkukusa na lang ngayon ng bawat indibidwal kung nanaisin nilang sumalang sa medical examination,” Tugade said.
“We, in LTO, believe this new ruling will bring relief to the public since they will no longer have to keep spending for the medical exams; they will also no longer be inconvenienced especially those who have work.”
