Derek Ramsay, friend face possible suspension, revocation of driver's licenses

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday said the driver's licenses of Derek Ramsay and his friend Anthony Jude Violago may be suspended or revoked over an alleged fake license plate on a luxury car.

According to Maki Pulido's report on “24 Oras,” this would depend on the decision of the LTO Intelligence Division.

The LTO said Ramsay sold the car to his friend, who then placed license plates bearing his initials.

“Mabigat po ‘yon kasi… kumbaga, pinapalitan ‘yung identity ng sasakyan eh, ibang plaka ‘yung nilagay, so bawal po talaga ‘yon. Titingnan din po natin kung maayos ang mga dokumento,” LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said.

(It's a serious offense because, first and foremost, you are altering the identity of the vehicle by attaching a different plate, which is strictly prohibited. We will also check if the vehicle’s documents are in order.)

The LTO launched an investigation into Ramsay and Violago after agency personnel spotted a social media post showing a Porsche 918 Spyder with the license plate that differed from the car's officially registered plate.

“Papunta daw sa isang event at siyempre, kumbaga gamitin ko ‘yung term na may yabang na dahil sa event gustong ipakita. It’s very mababaw pero ‘yun ang kanilang ginawang dahilan,” Lacanilao said.

(He was allegedly on his way to an event and—to use the term—wanted to show off a bit. It’s very shallow, but that was the excuse they gave.)

Ramsay surrendered the Porsche, which is now impounded at the LTO main office while the investigation is underway. Violago also surrendered his driver's license.

“Very apologetic naman pareho. Si Mr. Ramsay pinaliwanag niya na galing siyang abroad. Meron silang internal na usapan sa kanila pareho," Lacanilao said.

"Umamin sila sa pagkakamali,” he added.

(Both were very apologetic. Mr. Ramsay explained that he was abroad at the time. They had an internal agreement between them, and both admitted their mistake.)

The fine for the improper attachment of authorized motor vehicle license plates is P5,000.

Under the show-cause order, both individuals were directed to appear before the LTO Intelligence Division on August 24 to explain their side, but they appeared earlier on August 17 to surrender the Porsche.

Violago surrendered his driver's license, which is already slapped with a 90-day preventive suspension.

For his part, Ramsay posted on social media on August 16, stating that all of his vehicles carry proper license plates. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/RF, GMA News