LTO, PNP sign data-sharing agreement
The PNP will have access to vehicle registration data to aid in criminal investigations
To better combat crime, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), have signed a data-sharing agreement that will provide access to police investigators on the records of motor vehicles, particularly those that would be used in criminal activities.
“With most of the criminal elements going digital, the PNP and the entire government law enforcement machinery must be one step ahead in order to be effective and efficient in crime prevention and crime-busting… This agreement is a testament to the necessity of embracing technological innovations in the government’s efforts to make sure that every citizen is safe whether they are on the streets or in their homes,” said Interior Secretary, Benhur Abalos.
Based on the agreement that was signed by LTO Chief Atty. Vigor Mendoza II and PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil, the LTO will develop a verification facility which will enable the PNP, through the Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to verify motor vehicle registration records information pertaining to motor vehicles that are under investigation and/or alarmed.
Mendoza said the agreement will also facilitate the deployment of authorized HPG personnel to the LTO Command Center on an interim basis in order to verify motor vehicle registration records data that are under investigation or alarm.
Mendoza stressed that the verification will be on a “read-only basis” and will only cover the details in the Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt; registration record history pertaining to the previous transfers of ownership and encumbrances; and other items to be verified and any material that may be relevant in the investigation.
On the side of PNP, it is mandated to allow the LTO to validate the Motor Vehicle Clearance Certificate (MVCC) submitted by the registrant for the initial registration of motor vehicles, and other miscellaneous transactions such as transfer of ownership, change of engine/chassis, color, and body design to ensure the authenticity of the MVCC.
The validation, he said, shall be facilitated by the PNP-HPG Motor Vehicle Clearance Division which shall be used by the PNP-HPG for FREE and without additional cost to PNP-HPG clients.
“This agreement only solidifies the already existing PNP-LTO partnership on the aspect of law enforcement and eventually ensuring President Marcos’ commitment to good peace and order situation in the country,” said Mendoza.
PNP Chief Marbil, on the other hand, lauded the LTO under the leadership of Assistant Secretary Mendoza for sharing the PNP’s vision of effective and efficient law enforcement through digital innovations.
“We have been pushing for this kind of partnership even before. And I am happy that under my watch, this was finally realized. This should help streamline shorten the timeline for issuance of police clearances necessary for vehicle registration and transfer,” said Marbil.
