Dear PAO,
While driving, a car with the plate number of “17” recklessly cut me through the traffic. Luckily, I was able to hit the brakes in time. This got me wondering: Is it legal to use these so-called “protocol plates”? If so, are all government officials entitled to use these plates?
Felix
Dear Felix,
Yes, the use of protocol license plates is legal; however, the issuance and usage of such plates are reserved only for incumbent high-ranking government officials as provided for by Executive Order (EO) 56, series of 2024 (EO 56, s. of 2024).
Hence, EO 56, series of 2024, as an express repeal to its precursor law (EO 400, series of 2005), enumerates an exclusive list of government officials who are authorized to use protocol license plates, along with their assigned numbers, to wit:
“Section 1. Government Officials Authorized to Use Protocol License Plates. The following government officials are hereby authorized to use protocol license plates:
“All other officials with equivalent rank as the above authorized officials may be allowed to use protocol license plates, upon the recommendation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), approval of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and based on the list of all officials with equivalent rank as the above authorized officials of the Department of Budget and Management.
“The Associate Justices of the CA, CTA, and Sandiganbayan may also be allowed to use protocol license plates upon the recommendation of the LTO and approval of the Secretary of the DOTr. However, this shall not be construed to authorize all other officials with equivalent rank as the Associate Justices of the CA, CTA and Sandiganbayan and below to use protocol license plates.”
Clearly, the protocol plate no. “17,” albeit previously allowed by EO 400, s. of 2005, is no longer authorized under EO 26, s. of 2024. Thus, the owner of the vehicle with an expired protocol plate no. 17 that you chanced upon during traffic is in violation of the rules on the use of protocol license plate.
We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice was solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Editor’s note: Dear PAO is a daily column of the Public Attorney’s Office. Questions for Chief Acosta may be sent to dearpao@manilatimes.net
