Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the revocation of all protocol license plates issued to officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies, in compliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to curb misuse of special government plates.
In a memorandum issued on October 13, Lopez directed all concerned officials to surrender their protocol plates and tasked the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to facilitate the revocation process and ensure implementation.
The move aims to prevent government officials from using these plates to evade traffic rules or avoid apprehension, following concerns over abuse.
Lopez also ordered the LTO to review Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2024-001 and submit an updated inventory of all protocol plates issued. The JAO seeks to streamline the issuance of low-numbered or protocol plates to avoid unauthorized use by officials or private individuals.
In line with President Marcos’ Administrative Order No. 18, Lopez further banned the use of sirens, blinkers, and other signaling devices by DOTr personnel, reiterating the administration’s push for accountability and traffic discipline among government workers.
The LTO will oversee enforcement and monitor compliance across all DOTr offices and affiliated agencies.
