The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to intensify its
crackdown on unauthorized improvised license plates, with vehicles found
carrying them subject to impoundment beginning September 1.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the agency will take a
stricter approach toward motorists who use special or improvised plates without
proper authorization. Vehicle owners who have legitimate permission to use
special plates are also being advised to renew their authorization and secure
the latest approved plate version.
The policy is part of the LTO’s broader effort to address
plate-related violations and prevent unauthorized markings from being used to
conceal a vehicle’s identity or circumvent registration requirements.
To help motorists comply, Lacanilao has instructed LTO
offices nationwide to assist vehicle owners dealing with lost plates,
replacement applications, and documentation for authorized special plates. The
agency is also coordinating with the Philippine National Police, National
Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement bodies to strengthen
enforcement.
Derek Ramsay surrenders Porsche to LTO
The intensified enforcement comes as actor Derek Ramsay and
businessman Anthony Violago surrendered a Porsche supercar to the LTO following
an incident involving an unauthorized license plate.
Ramsay, who is the registered owner of the vehicle, and
Violago, who was driving it when the questionable plate was discovered last
week, appeared before the LTO after receiving a show-cause order.
Lacanilao acknowledged Ramsay’s good-faith response to the
agency’s directive. Violago also surrendered his driver’s license as part of
the proceedings.
The LTO has yet to conclude its investigation into how the
Porsche came to carry a plate that was not issued by the agency. Violago has
apologized and acknowledged responsibility for placing the unauthorized plate
on the vehicle.
The case underscores the LTO’s position that motorists must
ensure every plate attached to a vehicle is properly issued or officially
authorized. Starting September 1, failure to meet that requirement could mean
more than a traffic violation, as the vehicle itself may be impounded.
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