The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) said Sunday it is investigating the alleged production of fake protocol license plates.
This comes after another vehicle bearing protocol plate number 8 —which is exclusively for members of the House of Representatives — became the subject of public attention when its driver was involved in a road rage incident that went viral on social media.
PNP-HPG spokesperson Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang said they are currently looking into the incident and will release more information upon the conclusion of their investigation.
“Our verification regarding the production of fake plates is ongoing, headed by our HPG intelligence officers,” Malang said.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco earlier suggested that the “8” protocol plate on the SUV in the viral video appeared to be fake and condemned the driver’s misuse of such a plate.
Velasco stressed that using a fake special plate number is illegal and a punishable offense under existing laws, stating that it “is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of official markings and erodes public trust.”
“From watching the viral video, it would seem that the protocol plate is fake. It does not seem to have the security features of an original ‘8’ protocol plate. Our law enforcement agencies can easily identify fake plates and confiscate them,” Velasco said.
He also called on the appropriate authorities to conduct an investigation and punish the individual involved.