DOTr orders faces probe over road rage, misuse of protocol plate

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso to explain his alleged involvement in a road altercation and the reported misuse of a government-issued protocol plate.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued a notice to explain to Alfonso on Friday, October 10, directing him to justify why he should not face disciplinary action.

Unauthorized plate use. According to the DOTr memo, Alfonso’s vehicle bore a low-number protocol plate “10”, which is officially reserved for presiding justices and the solicitor general. The same vehicle was reportedly involved in a road rage incident on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, where Alfonso’s driver allegedly punched and slapped another motorist during an argument.

Alfonso has three days from the issuance of the memo to submit a written explanation.

The memo stressed that “the use of protocol plates and the unauthorized use of blinkers do not automatically confer any sort of VIP status to any public official.”

Road altercation. Video footage of the altercation showed traffic enforcers attempting to mediate between the two parties, who were arguing over which vehicle had cut off the other. The footage quickly circulated online, prompting public outrage and calls for accountability.

The Land Transportation Office has since taken action, suspending the driver’s license for 90 days and issuing a show-cause order. Alfonso’s driver has also been terminated following the incident, officials confirmed.