Zamboanga City - - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Zamboanga City has reported an almost 3,000 increase in vehicle registration from January to June this year compared to the same period in 2006.

LTO Chief Transportation Regulation Officer Romeo Jallorina said revenue collection during the first 6 months of the year also improved by P1.3 million in comparison to the earnings last year.

Jallorina attributes the increase in both registration and collection to various reasons: the intensified anti-colorum drive of the LTO and improved compliance of LTO rules and regulations by vehicle owners and the capacity among others.

A total of 36, 307 vehicles, registered from January to June this year while only 33,508 vehicles registered during the same period last year. The list of registered vehicles covers motorcycles, public and private utility vehicles, trucks and government vehicles.

In terms of revenue, the LTO-City office collected P40, 559, 806.03 during the first 6 months as against the P39, 214,912.95 collection of last year.

Jallorina expects the collection and the vehicle registration to have a marked increase during the coming months in view of the persistent anti-colorum drive and intensified information campaign undertaken by the agency.

Meanwhile, the LTO official said registration fees for all types of vehicles remain the same this year except for the computer fees which was increased from P132 to P169.06 effective last year.

On the other hand, a certification from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is now a requirement in the transfer of vehicle ownership.

Jallorina said the new requirement is based on a memorandum circular issued by LTO Regional Director Aminullah Abaton last July 17. (Sheila Covarrubias)