The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 has made a significant move to streamline vehicle registration services in Central Visayas with the launch of its innovative "Friendly Flag Down" program. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the agency distributed a total of 1,077 vehicle plates as part of this initiative, aiming to bolster registration law enforcement while offering motorists fast and accessible services directly on the streets.
Daily Operations and Strategic Timing
These operations are conducted daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the evening. According to LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan, the primary goal of this program is to strengthen the implementation of registration laws while providing prompt and easy-to-access services for drivers right on the road. This dual approach ensures that compliance is encouraged without causing undue inconvenience to the public.
Breakdown of Plate Distribution
Of the 1,077 plates released, 1,000 were allocated to Cebu, while 77 were designated for Bohol. The agency has clarified that LTO 7 personnel will focus their flag-down operations on vehicles still using temporary plates. Under this program, authorities will stop cars and motorcycles with temporary plates to inform owners if their permanent plates are ready for pickup.
First-Day Implementation and Process
On the inaugural day of the program, motorists were assisted in checking the status of their plates by presenting their Official Receipt (OR) and Certificate of Registration (CR). This allowed authorities to quickly verify plate availability and facilitate immediate release when possible. The process is designed to be efficient, reducing wait times and administrative hurdles for vehicle owners.
A Proactive and Service-Oriented Campaign
This initiative represents a proactive and service-oriented campaign in Central Visayas, specifically crafted to address the persistent issue of unclaimed vehicle plates. By taking services to the streets, LTO 7 aims to resolve backlog problems and improve overall compliance with registration regulations. The "Friendly Flag Down" program underscores the agency's commitment to enhancing public service and ensuring smoother operations for motorists in the region.
