Government to extend new car registration validity to five years

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved the Transportation department’s proposal to extend the validity of car registration to five years from three years, according to the Palace.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said Mr. Marcos gave the nod in a meeting with Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez in Malacañang on Tuesday morning.

“Secretary Lopez had a suggestion to make the registration of new vehicles, instead of three years, five years and the President has initially approved it,” she said in a briefing in Filipino, adding the reform is expected to bring relief to motorists.

Ms. Castro did not specify a timeline but noted the Department of Transportation (DoTr) will issue a respective memorandum to formalize the order.

Vehicle registration in the Philippines is an annual requirement overseen by the Land Transportation Office.

It ensures vehicles meet safety and environmental standards, with owners needing an updated Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt.

New vehicles are typically registered through dealerships, with registration valid for only three years, while renewals involve emission testing, insurance coverage, and payment of Motor Vehicle User’s Charge. Failure to comply will result in fines, penalties, or the suspension of the vehicle’s legal use on public roads.

Filipinos have earlier expressed discontent with the current system due to the time wasted on annual registration.

Unlike drivers’ licenses, which typically have a five- to 10-year validity, vehicles are subject to continuous registration and periodic inspections to ensure roadworthiness.

In the same meeting, Ms. Castro said the President called for faster, more comfortable and reliable train services to ease daily commuting in Metro Manila.

Mr. Lopez reported ongoing improvements in the rail system, including the rehabilitation of Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Quezon Avenue Station, expansion of cashless payment systems on MRT line 3, and plans to implement cashless payments on Light Rail Transit lines 1 and 2 this year.

The department is also upgrading the remaining MRT 3 trains to enhance the commuter experience.

Mr. Lopez also provided updates on major rail infrastructure projects. Partial operations of the North-South Commuter Railway are expected in 2027 from Valenzuela to Malolos, Bulacan, with full extension to Clark by 2028.

MRT 7 is targeted for partial operations in 2027, linking Quezon City and Bulacan.

The Metro Manila Subway is scheduled for demo runs in 2028, with full operations expected by 2033.

Mr. Marcos instructed the DoTr to prioritize commuter welfare, maintain clean and well-ventilated facilities, and ensure trains run reliably and on schedule. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana