The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco on Friday denounced the use of a counterfeit “8” protocol plate that appeared in a viral traffic altercation video, stressing that such misuse is a punishable offense under the law.
Velasco emphasized that protocol plates bearing the number “8” are strictly for official use by members of the House of Representatives and should not be displayed by private individuals or unauthorized vehicles.
“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 in a statement.
The video in question shows a man driving a Mitsubishi Montero verbally attacking another motorist in a red Honda CR-V while in line at a fast-food drive-thru. The aggressor reportedly threatened to shoot the other driver before speeding off, drawing widespread criticism online.
Velasco described the misuse of the plate as a serious affront. “Any attempt to impersonate or abuse this privilege is a direct affront to the institution and the law,” he said, while urging citizens to report similar cases of abuse.
He assured the public of the House’s cooperation with authorities to penalize violators. “The House is fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who misuse government-issued protocol plates face the full force of the law,” he added.
Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre also weighed in, revealing that no “8” protocol plates have been issued during the current 19th Congress.
Acidre explained that House Speaker Martin Romualdez has discouraged the use of such plates and urged lawmakers to return them.
“I personally don’t use protocol plates, but some of our colleagues can do their work more efficiently because they use them,” Acidre said in Filipino during an online media briefing.
He emphasized that while the plate can serve a purpose, its use must be responsible and properly regulated. Acidre also called for tighter controls to address the online sale and distribution of fake protocol plates.