LTO-NCR: License operations may normalize by noon

After suspending the issuance of drivers' licenses for nearly a week due to a surprise redesign, the Land Transportation Office expects to resume "normal" operations by Friday noon. LTO Metro Manila head Teofilo Guadiz III said his office's operations had been at 80 percent already as of 5 p.m. Thursday. "Sa NCR, as of Thursday 5 p.m., 80 percent ng opisina namin nag-i-issue na ng lisensya," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. Asked if applicants can get their licenses starting noon, he said they expect to be fully operational by then. "Mga 12 noon pwede na sila magpunta kahit saang sangay ng LTO para kunin ang lisensya," he said. The LTO had suspended the issuing of licenses after its supplier changed the card's design without permission. Earlier Friday, LTO head Virginia Torres said the agency will issue temporary licenses and waive penalties at least until the situation normalizes. — LBG, GMA News