By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday warned motorists against using fake plates due to the intensified crackdown against illegal manufacturers and sellers of fake plates.
In a statement, LTO acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua Jr. said there is no more reason to use fake plates since the backlog on vehicle plates has been wiped out.
“Lahat may plaka na (All plates have been made), and right now, we are focusing on the immediate distribution of these plates to their owners. In fact, we have already downloaded millions of license plates down to the regional level for distribution,” Pua said.
The intensified operation against illegal plates, he said, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to run after those who make money through illegal activities in the transportation sector.
To date, the LTO is coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for its intensified monitoring of sellers of fake plates on social media.
“Titiyakin namin na mananagot kayo, kaya ngayon pa lang, itigil na ninyo ang iligal na gawain ninyo (We will ensure that you will be punished, so, from this moment, stop your illegal activities),” Pua warned.
On Tuesday, Pua and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced that the 11-year backlog on license plates –both for four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles– has been wiped out.
Last week, LTO personnel and operatives of the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested four people for manufacturing and selling fake license plates during an operation in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. (PNA)
