Metro Manila, Philippines – The protocol license plate “8” for House representatives seen on a vehicle in a viral road rage seems fake, an official said on Friday, April 4.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco condemned the misuse of the protocol plate and urged authorities to investigate the incident.
“It does not seem to have the security features of an original ‘8’ protocol plate. Our law enforcement agencies can easily identify fake plates and confiscate them,” he said in a statement.
“Using a fake special plate number, if that is indeed the case, is illegal and constitutes a punishable offense under existing laws. It is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of official markings and erodes public trust,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre pushed for stricter guidelines for protocol plate use, even as counterfeit plates can be purchased on online shopping platforms.
“Ako po’y nananawagan din sa secretariat ng House at maging sa ating mga concerned government agency… sana pag-igtingin pa natin ang mga polisiya’t alituntunin sa paggamit at pag-isyu ng protocol plates,” he said in a virtual briefing.
[Translation: I am appealing to the House secretariat and concerned government agencies. I hope we strengthen the policies and regulations in the usage and issuance of protocol plates.]
