Lapid files bill to curb abuse of commemorative plates

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Manuel Lapid filed a bill to regulate the use of commemorative license plates, which he said some motorists have used to circumvent President Aquino’s crackdown on the unauthorized use of sirens.     

“The warlords of the road, after being shunned from their privilege of having to use their signature wang wangs or sirens, seemed to have found a way to circumvent the walang wang wang pronouncement of no less than the President, to again lord the roads mafia-style,” he said.

Lapid said while the plates serve the purpose of honoring a historic event or noble profession but it cannot be denied that these are also being used by unscrupulous motorists to become bullies on the road.

He cited the plates bearing the terms PNP-CIDG, NBI, AFP, DOJ, PNPA-PMA, LAWYER, and PROSECUTOR.

“This motivation is evident by the fact that there are some enterprising crooks who sell commemorative plates with a come-on that the same shall extend the bearer exemption to the number coding scheme of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority,” Lapid said.

He said the plates bearing the acronyms of law enforcement agencies “seem to suggest that these vehicles are owned by some influential person or gun-wielding Mafioso.”

Lapid said in most cases, the commemorative plates are placed over the regular plates, which violates the law.

He said regulations issued by the Land Transportation Office on the use and issuance of these plates do not carry much weight, and traffic enforcers are hesitant to flag down vehicles bearing such plates.

Under Senate Bill 3153, commemorative license plates bearing the names and logos of any department or agency of the government or positions in government would not be allowed.

In cases of plates commemorating historical events, legitimate organizations, institutions and persons of national significance, the bill would allow these but they would be valid for only six months.

If ever these commemorative plates are used, it should not in any way cover the regular license plates at the front and back of the vehicles.

The LTO would be tasked to supervise the production and distribution of the commemorative plates and publicize the list of authorized plates and their corresponding validity.

Any person found violating the provisions of the proposed law would face imprisonment of six months and a fine of up to P100,000.