MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) caught two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for allegedly using counterfeit plates bearing the markings of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and LTO.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said that during the operation, the agency’s team personnel discovered that the vehicles' original plates were concealed inside while unauthorized plates were displayed on the road, “an apparent attempt to project an air of special privilege or official status.”
In addition to the bogus plates, operatives also confiscated fake conduction stickers, as well as blinkers and sirens—commonly referred to as "wang-wang"—all of which have been subjected to proper verification and documentation by the LTO, Lacanilao said.
“Further inspection revealed several stickers bearing the name or suggesting an affiliation with a sitting member of Congress. These are also under review as part of the investigation to determine their origin and the purpose behind their use,” according to the LTO head.
The LTO said the vehicles were now in the temporary LTO custody, pending verification of their documents, plates, and other seized equipment and identification markings.
Meanwhile, investigators are working to identify those responsible and the specific violations committed, it added.
Lacanilao made it clear that the LTO would not tolerate such offenses.
"Just because you know someone in government does not give you the right to use fake plates or identification to evade traffic laws or receive special treatment on the road. That is absolutely wrong. Regardless of your connections, we treat all motorists equally," the top LTO official said.
He likewise reminded all motorists to use only legitimate and authorized plates and accessories, comply with existing traffic regulations, and promptly report any suspicious vehicles to the LTO—helping ensure safe, orderly, and equitable roads for everyone.
