Amid rising fuel costs, Mandaue council urges LTO to lower registration fees

Local

EVERY peso spent at the pump feels heavier, and the city council wants relief on the road ahead.

During a regular session on Monday, March 30, the Mandaue City Council urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to implement a temporary reduction in motor vehicle registration fees and related charges for private and public utility vehicles.

The measure, led by Councilor Jennifer S. Del Mar and co-sponsored by Councilor Cesar Y. Cabahug, Jr., cited the rising global fuel prices as tensions in the Middle East continue to persist.

In an interview with MyTV Cebu, Del Mar acknowledged that rising fuel prices are beyond the government’s control and said she has been considering where authorities can intervene to help.

She added that the LTO could play a role, as drivers are among the most affected.

“So nihangyo tah sa ilang ahensya sa temporaryong pagpaubos sa mga bayranan kabahin sa pagparehistro sa sakyanan ug uban pang may kalabutan nga mga charges—aron maibanan ang kabug-at nga ginapas-an sa atong mga motorista niining panahona sa krisis,” she said.

While she did not mention a specific amount for the reduction, Del Mar said the measure would help alleviate the impact on both public utility vehicle operators and private vehicle owners.

The council specifically highlighted the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC), a mandatory fee collected by the LTO from vehicle owners.

According to the LTO website, the MVUC is intended to fund the maintenance of national and provincial roads and address air pollution caused by vehicles.

The MVUC varies based on vehicle type, weight, and year model, with rates for light passenger cars starting at P1,600, medium cars at P3,600, and heavy cars at P8,000.

For for-hire vehicles such as PUVs, the fees are generally lower, with light cars at P900, medium cars at P1,800, and heavy cars at P5,000.

While some fuel subsidies are already being distributed, the council said a temporary reduction in registration fees and MVUC would provide broader and more sustainable economic relief for motorists.

Copies of the resolution will be forwarded to the LTO Assistant Secretary, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Office of the Mayor for immediate consideration and action.(MyTVCebu)