We often hear the terms LTO, LTFRB, and MMDA — especially when we’re watching the news on TV. We also know that these agencies are all related to transportation. But exactly are the differences among them? What are the functions of each agency?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). In addition, we will also discuss several other agencies that play an important role in the country’s transportation system.
Department of Transportation (DOTr)
Before we proceed to discussing the LTO and other agencies, we need to mention the main agency that they are all part of: Department of Transportation (DOTr). This is the executive department of the Philippine national government that is responsible for the country’s land, air, and sea transportation systems and communications infrastructure.
The DOTr oversees several attached agencies. For land transport, there’s the LTO, LTFRB, and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB). For rail transport, there’s the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), Philippine National Railways (PNR), and the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC), which is not under the government, but is supervised by the DOTr.
For air transport, the DOTr’s attached agencies include Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA). For sea transport, there’s the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Land Transportation Office (LTO)
As the name implies the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible for “all land transportation” in the Philippines.
The functions of the LTO include:
- Inspections and registration of motor vehicles;
- Issuance of vehicle license plates;
- Issuance of driver’s licenses and permits;
- Implementation of land transportation laws, rules, and regulations; and
- Adjudication of traffic cases.
Notably, the LTO administers the exam that aspiring drivers need to pass before they can drive their vehicles on the road. If they commit a violation, the LTO can impose a fine or even revoke their license, depending on the severity of the offence.
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is in charge of implementing the laws, rules, and regulations regarding public land transportation services. Among its main tasks is to grant franchises or accreditation to public vehicles, namely:
- Public Utility Buses (PUBs);
- Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs);
- Tourist Transport Services;
- Utility Vehicle (UV) Express Services;
- Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS); and
- Mini-buses, school services, taxis, and other public vehicles.
Moreover, the LTFRB is responsible for regulating and adjusting transport fares for public transport services. It also prescribes and regulates the areas of operation of these services.
If you’re a commuter and you’d like to make a complaint (e.g. a taxi driver who overcharges, a rude jeepney driver, etc.), you can contact the LTFRB. The agency will investigate and conduct the necessary hearings to resolve your case. Depending on the violation, they can impose fines and/or cancel franchises. What’s more, the LTFRB can ask the LTO to cancel the driver’s licenses of those who are involved in traffic violations.
Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
As the name says, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) operates in the Metro Manila area. Interestingly, it plays a role not only in ensuring smooth and efficient transportation, but also in other aspects like waste management, climate change, and disaster prevention in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Among the MMDA’s functions are:
- Apprehending traffic violators;
- Clearing side streets to decongest traffic; and
- Engaging in flood control programs, waste disposal and management, health and sanitation programs, and disaster relief operations.
Other Related Agencies
In addition to the above agencies, here are several others that also play an important role in the country’s transportation system:
Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG)
The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is a unit under the Philippine National Police (PNP) that manages and supervises traffic-related crimes. It provides assistance to the LTO by enforcing traffic rules and regulations, especially in traffic-prone areas of Metro Manila.
The PNP-HPG can apprehend and arrest traffic violators right away, making them an effective deterrent for traffic-related crimes. Aside from providing support in directing traffic, the PNP-HPG actively participates in carnapping cases.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is also known as “the engineering and construction arm” of the State. It is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining infrastructure facilities such as national roads, bridges, flood control and water resources development systems, and other structures.
For national roads and bridges, the DPWH has to make sure that these are designed and built according to the highest standards. It is also responsible for relocating lamp posts and electric poles, as well as removing road hazards that can affect motorists.
On the other hand, when it comes to local roads, these are maintained by the Local Government Units (LGUs).
Toll Regulatory Board (TRB)
Most likely, you have encountered or passed by a toll facility on the road. The construction, operation, and maintenance of these facilities are overseen by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), which regulates all toll roads in the country.
The TRB currently oversees the following toll facilities:
- Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX);
- Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx);
- Metro Manila Skyways (Stages 1, 2, and 3);
- Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCx);
- NAIA Expressway (NAIAx);
- North Luzon Expressway (NLEX);
- South Luzon Expressway (SLEX);
- Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway);
- Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX);
- Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx); and
- Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx).
Bottom Line
Transportation systems are crucial to the continuing progress and development of a country. The LTO, LTFRB, MMDA, and other agencies featured above each play an important role in ensuring the safety of people and vehicles on Philippine roads.
Speaking of which, you might have encountered an accident, traffic violation, or other incidents on the road. You can swiftly report these cases to the LTO by using the CitiSend mobile app. Check out this link to learn more about this app and how you can use it to report road incidents!