Clean break
A digital system will also greatly alter the LTO’s image of a corrupt agency since it will minimize human intervention.
Daily TribuneA digital system will also greatly alter the LTO’s image of a corrupt agency since it will minimize human intervention.
Only by the full use of the information technology system that the government bought for P3.15 billion from German firm Dermalog can Filipino motorists benefit from the digitalization of licensing services.
A report on the Land Transport Management Systems, or LTMS, which is about four years delayed in its implementation, stated that the Land Transportation Office should not settle for an incomplete delivery.
The LTO recently met with representatives of Dermalog to discuss the transfer of critical software components used in the system, such as the source code.
After reviewing the system, the LTO's Management Information Division, or MID, reported that less than the full system transfer would be disadvantageous to the government.
Dermalog had sought a ransom of its collectibles for the remaining components of the system, for which the government had paid about 90 percent of the LTMS's total cost.
The LTO, however, has found many deficiencies in the online licensing system, such as the lack of an authentication process essential to guaranteeing applicants' identities.
Thus, previous LTO officials had branded the system and Dermalog's failure to fix it a threat to national security.
Those with foul intent, for instance, could obtain a driver's license since they could easily get around the deficiencies of the LTMS.
In a briefing memo, the MID said that a full transition to and utilizing the LTMS is non-negotiable.
It said that the LTO should be freed from the clutches of the private IT systems suppliers and contractors.
The objective of the LTMS is for the LTO to own the system and be free to introduce changes befitting the local situation, which it cannot now implement because of Dermalog's impositions.
The German firm is even fishing for a deal where it will maintain the LTMS for a hefty fee.
The LTMS, under LTO's full control, ensures "greater data security, privacy, and flexibility in managing operations."
A digital system will also greatly alter the LTO's image of a corrupt agency since it will minimize human intervention.
"Government ownership of the LTMS aligns perfectly with our commitment to public accountability and transparency," the MID said in the memo.
The MID said that while there are some issues and challenges in the transition to LTMS, these are not hindrances to LTO's 100-percent utilization of the new system.
"Challenges with data migration and system completion should not overshadow the immense potential and benefits that LTMS could bring to the agency, its clients, and stakeholders," the MID report said.
"The LTMS may face its fair share of criticism and challenges, but it is through continuous improvement and addressing these issues that we can further enhance its functionality and ensure long-term success," the MID indicated.
The LTMS, despite its defects, will "lead to continuous improvements in our operations, service delivery, and client and stakeholder satisfaction" if the LTO acquires its full use, it said.
The report said the LTMS presents "an opportunity for us to embrace technological advancements, drive positive change within the agency, and ensure the efficient management of land transportation services in our country."
However, all promises of convenience and efficiency through digitalization are predicated on the contractor's willingness to cooperate since it is holding hostage the more critical components of the LTMS.
The job of the LTO now is to demand that Dermalog fully deliver on its contract and to end its dealings with the unreliable German firm.
