LTO suspends penalties on temporary plates, orders surrender of viral luxury car linked to gov't official

Newly appointed Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao on Monday announced the suspension of the P5,000 fine for motorists using improvised or temporary plates, saying the policy needs further review to ensure fairness to vehicle owners still awaiting their official plates.

At a press conference, Lacanilao also ordered the immediate surrender of a luxury vehicle that went viral after its driver was caught assaulting a government official, saying the LTO issued a show cause order to the vehicle’s registered owner and gave them until the end of the day to turn over both the driver and the vehicle.

“Nagpalabas kami ng show-cause order kahapon regarding diyan. At nagbibigay ako ng within the day para i-surrender nila ‘yung sasakyan at ‘yung driver dito sa LTO main office,” Lacanilao said.

(We issued a show cause order yesterday regarding that case. I am giving them until today to surrender the vehicle and the driver to the LTO main office.)

He warned that failure to comply could lead to stronger action from the agency.

P5,000 fine suspended

The LTO chief said the implementation of Vehicle Directive Memorandum (VDM) 2025-4674, which was supposed to take effect on November 1, will be temporarily suspended to allow the agency to review its implications.

“Hindi kasalanan ng ordinaryong tao kung ang plaka niya hindi naibibigay sa kanya tapos i-fa-fine natin siya,” he said.

(It’s not the fault of ordinary motorists if their official plates haven’t been issued, yet we fine them.)

“Paano kung ‘yung maliliit na nagde-deliver lang ng paninda tapos wala pang nabigay na plaka sa kanya, hindi siya maghanapbuhay?... Pahirap ‘yun,” Lacanilao added.

(What if a small delivery worker hasn’t received their plate yet—should they lose their livelihood? That would only cause hardship.)

He said the delay could be caused by various factors, including issues with car dealers or with the LTO’s own system.

“Malinaw ang mensahe ng ating Pangulo na huwag pahirapan ang taong bayan, tulungan, bigyan ng totoong serbisyo. Kaya sinu-suspend ko muna ‘yan,” he said.

(The President’s message is clear: do not make life harder for the people—help them and give real service. That’s why I’m suspending this policy for now.)

No to fake or unauthorized protocol plates

Lacanilao also announced that the LTO has recalled all protocol plates used by Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials. He warned that the use of fake or replica plates will lead to arrest and vehicle impoundment.

“May napansin ako ng mga gumagamit ng protocol plates, parang replica o protocol plates. Medyo mahigpit ako diyan... Huli ‘yan,” he said.

(I’ve noticed people using what look like replica protocol plates. I’ll be strict about that—they will be apprehended.)

Crackdown on corruption and fixers

The LTO chief said he recalled the regional director of LTO Region II following reports of personnel involved in corruption and “non-appearance” schemes at private emission testing centers (PETCs) and private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVICs).

“Hindi ko ito-tolerate ‘yung mga ganyang kalokohan sa negosyo. Kung kailangang isara, isara ka agad,” he said.

(I will not tolerate such corruption. If a center needs to be closed, it will be closed immediately.)

He also warned LTO district and regional offices to stop allowing fixers.

“Kaya lahat ng district office, regional office, ibababa ko ‘yan na ang mga fixer, tigilan ninyo,” he said.

(I’ll issue directives to all district and regional offices—stop working with fixers.)

Other suspended policy

The LTO also suspended the October 15 same-day release policy requiring car and motorcycle dealers to issue plates and registration documents on the day of vehicle release.

“Maganda ‘yung intensyon pero hindi practical... Mahirap ipatupad lalo na sa probinsya at malalayong lugar,” Lacanilao explained.

(The intention is good, but it’s not practical—especially in the provinces and far-flung areas.)

He said the move was unfair to private businesses and could cause further delays due to courier issues and IT downtimes.

Warning to motorists

Lacanilao reminded motorists without official plates to secure proper authorization before using their vehicles.

“Hindi ibig sabihin na walang huhulihin. Mga kababayang walang plaka, huwag naman bumiyahe nang walang authorization galing LTO,” he said.

(It doesn’t mean there will be no apprehensions. For those without plates, don’t drive without authorization from the LTO.)

He also encouraged the public to report unauthorized use of blinkers, sirens, and escort vehicles.

“Yung mga kababayan naman natin na nakikita ‘yan sa mga hindi-authorized na tao, lalo na mga sibilyan, i-video nila, isumbong nila sa LTO,” he said.

(If you see unauthorized civilians using blinkers or sirens, take a video and report it to the LTO.)

Lacanilao said his administration would prioritize digitalization, anti-corruption, and road safety, echoing the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Hindi tayo uusad kung wala tayong disiplina. Kailangan disiplina lalo na sa ganyan,” he added.

(We won’t move forward without discipline. Discipline is essential, especially in matters like these.) —KG, GMA Integrated News