DOTr revokes protocol plates, bans ‘wang-wang’ use by transport officials

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Monday ordered the revocation of all protocol or low-numbered license plates issued to officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies.

In a memorandum dated October 13, Lopez said the move aims to stop the “indiscriminate and unwarranted use” of special license plates by government officials to evade traffic or avoid apprehension for violations.

The move follows a road altercation involving the driver of DOTr Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso and another motorist. Alfonso’s vehicle was seen bearing a low-number or protocol license plate assigned to the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeals (CA), the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA), the Sandiganbayan, and the Solicitor General.

Alfonso has been asked to explain the incident.

Lopez directed the immediate surrender of all protocol plates previously issued to officials of the DOTr Central Office, its sectoral offices, and attached agencies and corporations.

“The revocation covers all previously issued authorization to use protocol license plates,” Lopez stated, emphasizing that accountability and adherence to traffic laws should begin within the department.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), an attached agency of the DOTr, has been instructed to coordinate the recall process and ensure full compliance with the order. The agency was also tasked to review and clarify certain provisions under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2024-001, which governs the issuance and use of protocol plates, and to submit an updated inventory of all existing special plate holders.

Under JAO 2024-001, the issuance of low-numbered or protocol license plates was streamlined to prevent unauthorized use and abuse by ranking government officials or private individuals.

In the same memorandum, Lopez also prohibited the use of sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling or flashing devices, commonly known as wang-wang by officials of the DOTr and its attached agencies.

This directive follows Administrative Order No. 18, which strictly limits the use of sirens and blinkers to emergency vehicles such as those operated by the police, fire, and medical services.

Lopez said the prohibition is part of the administration’s effort to promote discipline, equality, and respect for traffic rules among public servants.

The move comes as part of the government’s push to restore order on the roads and end the culture of entitlement among motorists. — Sherylin Untalan/BM, GMA Integrated News