Abuse on "8" plates around Metro Manila -

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is seeking a dialogue with the new leadership of the House of Representatives for a review of the issuance of the congressional protocol plate, which has been subject to abuse by unscrupulous groups.

LTO chief Alberto Suansing said among the proposals he would like to discuss with Speaker Prospero Nograles is indicating the district of the congressman on his vehicle’s protocol plate.

He said that because the congressional districts are not indicated on the protocol plates, fake ones are used by people to avoid obeying traffic rules and car smugglers in slipping out unregistered vehicles from various ports in the country.

"We will seek the issuance of tamper-proof protocol plates, just like those issued to senators, justices, and Cabinet members," Suansing said.

He also pointed out that except for vehicles that belong to the Office of the President, all cars are supposed to have a protocol plate in front and regular LTO-issued plates at the rear.

Suansing expressed concern over the proliferation of fake plates, the latest report of which involves a Hummer H2 that is now the subject of a metropolis-wide alert because it is allegedly not registered with the LTO.

The Hummer, which bore an ‘8’ plate in front and a 2007 California plate 7P78127 at the back, was escorted by a White Fortuner when it was spotted cruising along Roxas Boulevard last week.

The White Fortuner was traced to a Binondo trader engaged in the trucking business at the Port of Manila.

News from ABSCBN

I agree. You know whats better? A law which don't have double standards.

If you are a real Senator, hanging an "8" in your license plate, does that make you a immune to traffic violations? When you are a government official up high, you should be following rules and regulations more. You guys make it and you guys break it.

For those who have escorts while traversing the Metro, I think you should try driving around without back-up security to open your eyes on the road situation here in the Philippines. Having a back-up escort means, securing you, guarding you and not counter-flowing, breaking laws you made and abusing your power.

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