Since July 1, 2005, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has been imposing a dress code policy for anyone who will be visiting and making personal transactions with any of their offices around the country. The lead implementing office for traffic and enforcement has long outlined the proper dress code for anyone who will be transacting with their offices. In recent years, the agency continues to remind the public to wear “decent” clothes, even as some lawmakers call for the removal of strict dress codes which restricts citizens from seeking frontline services.
It is unclear whether the House Bill was passed or not or if there’s any other policy that is being implemented to propose equality and lessen the discrimination according to how people are dressed. What is clear is that up to this day, the Land Transportation Office and all its branch agencies, along with other Philippine government offices, continue to require that citizens who intend to personally visit the agency observe proper decorum, “dress for the occasion,” and present themselves in their “Sunday’s best.”
LTO Dress Code for Clients
Though there is a law that mandates government officials and employees to stick to certain dress codes, there is no law that requires citizens to do the same. There is, however, a house bill, House Bill No. 6286, otherwise known as the Open Door Policy Act, filed in 2015, that calls for the removal of strict dress codes. The HB had tagged the dress code policy as “unjust” and “restrictive” that prevent Filipinos, especially the marginalized ones, from getting the service they need.
The LTO dress code comes in a set of reminders, with information on the dos and don’ts of their target customers when visiting their offices. The reminders are visual, with detailed images showing what is allowed and what is prohibited for both males and females in terms of clothing when visiting their offices nationwide.
Benefits of Following the LTO Dress Code
Aside from the obvious benefit that wearing “decent” set of clothes afforded by the LTO to those who are visiting the agency which is allowing entry to the office premises, other benefits that come with following the dress code, include:
- Proof that you are serious about what it is you intend to transact for
- It shows the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, intelligence, and skill.
- It shows respect to both the office and the officers/public servants within
- It proves the LTO clients’ responsiveness and appreciation of the conditions
- It serves as an entry pass to the office or any offices of the government
Who Should Follow the Dress Code Uniform
The LTO imposes a dress code to both their employees and the transacting public. While the dress code they impose on their staff is a bit different since it is mandated by law that government officials and employees observe a certain dress code, the one they impose on their clients is generalized, much like the one imposed by most government offices everywhere.
Official Dress Code Implemented by the LTO for their Visitors
The LTO has once again made it clear that a dress code for their clients, the transacting public exists despite the leniency showed by some branches. According to the social media post that appeared on the the official LTO Facebook page, the following dress code should be observed:
Dress Code for Males / Men
Male drivers or motorcycle riders are expected to wear a polo shirt, jeans, and presentable shoes. The bare minimum attire required before they can be allowed entry and attended to at the LTO office include short-sleeved shirt and jeans. This outfit must be paired with closed shoes before they can be entertained at the LTO office.
| Dress Code Do’s and Dont’s for Male | |
| Do’s | Dont’s |
| TOP | |
| Polo Shirt | Sando |
| Tshirt | |
| Long Sleeves | |
| Short Sleeves | |
| BOTTOM | |
| Jeans | Shorts |
| Slacks | |
| FOOTWEAR | |
| Formal Shoes | Slippers |
| Slip-on Shoes | |
| Running Shoes |
Consequently, men who are visiting the LTO for any transaction are not allowed to wear sleeveless shirts, also known as sandos. They are also refused entry when they wear shorts, so it’s best to stick to long pants. Open footwear, including slippers, are also prohibited when transacting with this government office.
Dress Code for Females
As for the female drivers and motorcycle riders who are visiting the LTO office, the same rules pretty much apply. The LTO has prescribed women to wear a polo-type or sleeved shirt or upper garments, paired with either jeans or slacks and presentable shoes. Like the men, they also need to wear closed shoes before they are allowed entry to the LTO premises.
| Dress Code Do’s and Dont’s for Female | |
| Do’s | Dont’s |
| TOP | |
| Polo Shirt | Sando |
| Tshirt | Tube |
| Long Sleeves | Tank Top |
| Short Sleeves | Sleeveless |
| BOTTOM | |
| Jeans | Shorts |
| Slacks | |
| FOOTWEAR | |
| Formal Shoes | Slippers |
| Slip-on Shoes | |
| Running Shoes |
The ladies are prohibited from wearing sandos, tube, tank tops, and sleeveless or any “revealing” type of upper clothing. Do note that though skirts were not labeled as “inappropriate” in general, there is a certain length requirement for “decent” skirts. Just like how it is for the men, women are not allowed to wear shorts and slippers. In fact, slippers are not even considered as a type of footwear for ladies.
Public Reactions towards the LTO Reminder on Proper Dress Code
As many would have expected, the LTO’s reminder on the “appropriate clothing” when visiting their office was met with a good number of questions, and resistance as well. Some netizens asked why they need to dress up when they’re not even applying for a job.
Others questioned the need for a dress code, while some others mocked the government for forcing their ideals onto the people before they even get served their basic right to frontline services. It is pretty straight-forward, actually.
The LTO as a government office deserves respect and observing proper decorum, and we, as drivers and motorcycle riders, can best show respect by dressing up and behaving properly at all times.
Video: Wearing Proper Attire at the LTO Office
Check out this video featuring on the proper attire when you visit the LTO office:
Summary
While many people disagree on whether a dress code is necessary for those who are visiting government offices or not, the agency continues to implement one and maintain the respectability they aim for. As for the advocacy for equality proposed in the Open Door Policy, not many can admit that they are, indeed, discriminating people based on how they dress or carry themselves. For now, however, the dress code is one thing that must be considered before going off to the LTO or any other government office for that matter.
