MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) emphasized on Wednesday that it does not support the removal of the Comprehensive Drivers’ Education (CDE) requirement for the renewal of driver’s licenses which have 10-year validity.
In a statement to reporters, Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar noted that reports that the department supports the call of some lawmakers to remove the CDE are inaccurate.
Villar went on to say that the department’s statement to Congress reads that “it is within the power of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to impose restrictions on the renewal of the driver’s licenses for 10 years, which includes the requirement of the CDE”.
She added that the issuance of a certification of completion of the CDE is a function necessary or incidental to the power of the LTO to issue driver’s licenses.
However, Villar said the law stipulates that the function pertains to the LTO itself and does not mention authorizing LTO-accredited driving schools or institutions to exercise the power.
“(I)t is not contemplated by EO (Executive Order) No. 1101, s. 1985, that the said function be performed by an LTO-accredited driving school or institution,” Vilar said.
The CDE was first implemented by the LTO in late October of last year, in accordance with Republic Act 10930, which amends the Land Transportation and Traffic Code to “establish a system that promotes the ease of access to government services and efficient transportation regulation favorable to the people.”
For drivers with no offenses, RA 10930 extends the validity duration of their licenses from five to 10 years, up from the previous three years.
Motorists must take a CDE exam to renew their driver’s license.
