Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed seven laws that authorize the establishment and conversion of Land Transportation Office (LTO) offices in seven different locations across the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act (RA) 12135 initiates the creation of a new LTO office in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, while RA 12140 greenlights the construction of another office in Pandan, Antique. Additionally, RAs 12137 and 12138 set the groundwork for LTO offices in Cordova and Consolacion towns located in Cebu province.

The legislative changes also include RA 1236, which transforms the existing LTO extension office in Las Pi±as City, Metro Manila, into the Las Pi±as City LTO Licensing Center. Meanwhile, the LTO district office in Rosales, Pangasinan, will be upgraded to a Class 'A' District Office under RA 12139.

Furthermore, RA 12141 mandates the conversion of the extension office in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, to a regular district office, now to be called the Burgos LTO District Office.

The laws require the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to incorporate the operationalization of these new and upgraded LTO offices into the department's programs. Initial funding for these conversions will be drawn from the current year's appropriations, while subsequent funding needs will be addressed in the annual General Appropriations Act, similarly applicable to the new offices.

The legislation, signed by President Marcos on March 27, will become effective 15 days following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a widely circulated newspaper.