Rama insists using unauthorized plate

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama insisted to use an unauthorized vanity plate for his service vehicle despite a clear prohibition under the Transportation and Traffic Code.

Rama said he would continue to use the plate “MAYOR” in his vehicle instead of the authorized plate numbers issued by the Land Transportation Office for easy identification.

Rama said he travels from one barangay to another and it would help the public to easily identify his service vehicle if the vanity plate is attached to his car.

The mayor’s service car is sporting the unauthorized plate on its front. The original plate however remains on the rear portion of the vehicle.

Section 18 of Republic Act 4136 otherwise known as the Transportation and Traffic Code strictly provides that “at all times, every motor vehicle shall display in conspicuous places, one in front and one in the rear thereof, the number plates.”

It further states that the number plates shall be kept clean and cared for, and shall be firmly affixed to the motor vehicle in such a manner as will make it entirely visible and always legible.

Those motorists who wish to use vanity plates for their vehicles may be allowed if they will apply for it with the LTO, but the rules provide that the original plates shall remain on its place.

LTO-7 Director Raul Aguilos explained that the vanity plates, including commemorative plates, can be installed on top or beside the original plate numbers of the vehicle.

The improper use of vanity plates, like the PNP 111, LTO 100, NBI 75, and others, are strictly prohibited and carries a penalty of a fine amounting to P5,000 once the driver is apprehended.

These kinds of vanity plates are manufactured for fund-raising purposes because each of these plates are being sold at P3,000 to P6,000 to any interested motorists, particularly the businessmen.

The most popular of the vanity plates are the PNP 111 and NBI 75.  (FREEMAN)