LTO probes fake Congress protocol plates

MANILA, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will investigate the alleged use of fake Congress protocol plates.

Motoring website Top Gear Philippines yesterday posted images of a Toyota Camry bearing a No. 8 plate, which is issued to members of the House of Representatives.

The plate, which appeared to be similar to the new generation plates issued by the LTO starting last year, also contained the phrases “16th Congress” and “2016-2019” below the number eight.

Top Gear said the photos were taken by William Herrera along P. Burgos street in Manila on Thursday. It noted that 16th Congress corresponds to present legislators, whose term of office started in 2013.

“In other words, the term of office from 2016 to 2019 is for the 17th Congress,” read the article, which went viral yesterday afternoon.

“On a more serious note, this shows you how rampant counterfeit plates are in this country. These douchebags are so bold – so incredibly audacious – that they drive around with comically counterfeited Congress plates,” it added.

Sought for comment, LTO spokesperson Jason Salvador told The STAR that the plates are definitely counterfeit.

He said the protocol plates that they issued to congressmen contained the years “2013-2016” and not “2016-2019.”

Salvador said they will immediately look into the use of the fake license plates, calling on the public to immediately report to authorities if they see similar plates on the road.