LTO to the Public: Book Your Appointments Online

It might not be a revolutionary or innovative solution, but it does make sense: When getting a license mean long lines and endless waiting, then encouraging the public to book in advance may be a viable solution to all those wasted time getting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to process your license application.

Using LTO's online appointment system can help you reserve an appointment for 40 slots each day, but here’s the catch: It's only available at its Pasig, Muntinlupa, Novaliches and Marikina branches.

Still, it's a good start in case LTO plans to make this a nationwide project. Inefficient license processing is felt in many parts of the country, and booking in advance can save a lot of time waiting on line.

According to LTO-Marikina chief Maria Claridette Edrosa: "Pag-appointment sila lahat, alam nila ang mga oras nila. Alam nila kung anong oras sila pwedeng matapos. (If they all have appointments, they all know what time they need to be there. They have an idea what time they'll be finished.)"

Another good reason why LTO encourages the public to book an appointment beforehand is that it's a good deterrent against fixers. Rector Antiga, chief of LTO’s IT Division explained:

"On that particular time, at saka date, ikaw 'yung nandodoon na kinonfirm ng system na dapat ikaw 'yung ise-serve. So walang chance na ikaw mismo ay lapitan ng fixers. (On that time and date, you're there because the system confirmed that you will be the one to be served. So there's no chance that a fixer will approach you.)"