De Lima to subordinates: Don't abuse special plates

MANILA, Philippines - Secretary Leila de Lima has ordered officials and employees of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attached agencies to strictly follow rules on use of commemorative plates.

In her Department Circular 26 issued Friday, the DOJ chief directed all officials under her supervision “not to abuse the privilege (of using commemorative plates) and always respect traffic rules.”

The DOJ chief reminded her subordinates of the general rule that commemorative plates should be placed side by side or on top of the registered car plates issued by the Land Transportation Office.

She also said a special plate should be used “strictly within the period allowed for its use.”

She explained that the rules apply to all commemorative plates for both private and official vehicles.

She did not, however, issue a warning on possible sanctions against those who will be caught violating these rules.

It remains unclear whether the circular was issued after a ranking DOJ official was caught abusing the use of commemorative plates.