MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao has ordered a review of the role of vehicle dealers amid reports that some have been withholding license plates or charging unauthorized fees from vehicle owners. In an interview on Saturday, Lacanilao said erring dealers could face sanctions, including the possible revocation of their accreditation, if found to be delaying the release of plates or profiting from plate-related requests. “Dealers who delay or hold back the release of plates will face sanctions, including possible revocation of accreditation,” he said. “We’ve received reports that some charge extra for plate requests or for specific plate endings — that’s strictly prohibited.” The LTO chief also confirmed an ongoing probe into the illegal issuance of green plates, which are meant exclusively for electric and hybrid vehicles, to conventional fuel-powered cars. According to Lacanilao, two diesel-powered vehicles — a Nissan Terra and a Nissan Calibre — were recently caught using green plates to evade the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s number coding scheme. “We suspect collusion between some LTO personnel and dealers in these cases,” Lacanilao said. “Anyone found involved — whether from inside the LTO or from dealerships — will be held liable.” He added that the LTO is now reviewing policies governing the distribution of license plates to prevent abuse by dealers and ensure that plates reach vehicle owners promptly. Lacanilao also reminded motorists without official plates to obtain an authorization to travel from the LTO, emphasizing that temporary plates issued by dealers are not sufficient. “If you have no plate but you carry an LTO-issued travel authorization, you won’t be apprehended. But if you don’t have that, you will be fined,” he said. The LTO chief said the agency is conducting an audit of plate distribution nationwide while investigating possible irregularities involving both internal staff and accredited dealers.