The Manila Times
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against an unnamed government agency and the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) allegedly caught using an improvised red license plate. In a statement, the LTO said the agency’s representative and the driver were ordered to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division on May 13 to explain why they should not be penalized for the unauthorized use of an improvised government plate and issues involving compulsory vehicle registration. The agency said the SUV, which was registered under the government office’s name, was last officially registered on April 11, 2025. The investigation stemmed from a viral photograph showing the vehicle bearing an improvised red plate. Red license plates are issued to government-owned vehicles that are used strictly for official business. Such vehicles are also exempted from Metro Manila’s number-coding scheme. The LTO said it had placed the SUV under alarm status, while the driver was directed to surrender his license. He will be placed under preventive suspension for 90 days pending investigation. Authorities added that the driver could also face charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said that government agencies are not exempt from traffic laws and transport regulations. Lacanilao said government offices should serve as examples in complying with and enforcing the law.
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