Motorists and social media users are calling on Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez to investigate the alleged abuse of special protocol license plates after a viral road rage incident involving a ranking department official.

The controversy erupted after a video circulated online showing the driver and a security detail of Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso allegedly physically assaulting a multicab driver.

In the video, one of Alfonso’s security details is heard threatening the victim that his driver’s license would be compromised, repeatedly asserting that they were carrying a VIP at the time. The Land Transportation Office (LTO), which issues and recalls licenses, is under the DoTr.

Lopez said he has asked Alfonso for an explanation. Alfonso has reportedly responded by sacking the driver assigned to him in relation to the incident.

During a press briefing, Lopez told reporters that Alfonso claimed he was trying to pacify the incident. However, online critics cited that the undersecretary was present when the threats were made by his security personnel.

The video also showed Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcers appearing hesitant to prevent Alfonso’s vehicle from leaving, despite the multicab driver’s claim that he was assaulted by two security details, one of whom was allegedly carrying a gun.

The SUV involved in the incident was a Lexus LX570 bearing Protocol Plate No. 10. According to LTO data, that specific protocol plate is authorized only for the Presiding Justice and other Justices of the Court of Appeals and the Solicitor General, and is valid only during their tenure.

The vehicle’s use by a DoTr undersecretary sparked outrage online, with netizens condemning what they described as special treatment and a brazen display of abuse of power.

A blotter report of the incident revealed that the SUV is not registered to Alfonso but to a company based in Makati.