The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has deferred the planned purchase of new motor vehicles for its central office and reallocated the ₱50-million budget to improve client areas at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

In a memorandum dated October 16, 2025, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the deferment of the department’s 2025 vehicle re-fleeting plan in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize public service improvements over internal expenditures.

“The intended re-fleeting of DOTr motor vehicles in 2025 shall be deferred and pursued in the succeeding year, subject to availability of funds,” the memorandum stated.

Instead, the ₱50 million initially allotted for vehicle purchases will be equally distributed between LTO and LTFRB for the upgrading of client and waiting areas, including installation of air-conditioning units, water dispensers, and chairs.

The directive emphasized the timely conduct of procurement and efficient utilization of the transferred funds within the validity period, which is until December 31, 2025.

Secretary Lopez said the decision aims to ensure that resources are used to deliver tangible improvements directly benefiting the public, particularly commuters and clients availing of LTO and LTFRB services.

The move is part of DOTr’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service quality in line with the administration’s push for responsible governance and citizen-centered programs.