Imelda’s mini-bus still has Plate No. 8 despite House ban, order to return

A few days after the leadership told House members to surrender their No. 8 plates, Ilocos Norte Representative Imelda Marcos on Friday used a mini-bus with bearing the protocol plates at the Sandiganbayan to attend a hearing on her conviction.

Marcos rode a white Toyota Coaster with a protocol plate issued in 2013, or during the 16th Congress.

Mrs. Marcos used a mini-bus with a number 8 protocol plate for 2013 House members. This is a few days after House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya reminded lawmakers to surrender plates issued during the 16th Congress and earlier. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/TIA9et9oDT

— TJ Roxas (@tj_roxas) November 16, 2018

Former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez ordered lawmakers to return their number 8 plates in 2016 after spotting several vehicles in "indecent places or figured in crime-related activities."

He also supported a bill seeking to prohibit congressmen and penalize them for its use.

On Wednesday, House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. reminded members of the House of Representatives to heed the memorandum from the Office of Secretary General recalling the protocol plate numbers "8" issued during the 16th Congress and earlier. 

Andaya made the manifestation in plenary after the road altercation incident in Angeles City, Pampanga involved an FJ Cruiser bearing a protocol plate number 8.

Sought for comment, Land Transportation Office law enforcement director Francis Almora said Marcos should no longer use her 2013 protocol plate.

"The last production and issuance of protocol plate for members of the House of Representatives is during the 16th Congress 2013 to 2016. Considering that there were no plate issued for the present Congress, the plates issued to previous Congress should no longer be used," Almora said.

The Sandiganbayan found Marcos guilty for seven counts of graft for allegedly creating seven foundations in Switzerland during her time as Minister of Human Settlements, Metro Manila Governor, and interim member of Congress for the benefit of her family.

Marcos filed a motion seeking to challenge this decision, with the Sandiganbayan allowing her to post a P150,000 bail pending the decision of her request. —NB, GMA News