LTO to impound cars with unauthorized improvised plates

MANILA, Philippines — Starting Sept. 1, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will impound vehicles with unauthorized improvised plates.

At a press conference yesterday, LTO chief Markus Lacalinao said all vehicles found to be using improvised plates would be impounded.

“If you do not have an authorization to use a special plate, we will impound your vehicle,” Lacanilao told reporters.

Those who have authorization should renew and get the latest version, he said.

Lacanilao ordered LTO personnel nationwide to help people fixing their documents for lost plates and authorization.

The LTO has asked for help from the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to address the issue.

Derek Ramsay surrenders supercar

Meanwhile, Derek Ramsay and his businessman friend have surrendered a Porsche supercar to the LTO.

The LTO summoned Ramsay, the registered owner of the car, and Anthony Violago, who was driving the Porsche when it was found last week to be using a fake license plate.

Lacalinao noted Ramsay’s “good faith” in responding together with Violago to the show-cause order issued by the LTO.

Violago also yielded his driver’s license to the LTO.

Lacanilao said the investigation is still ongoing to determine why the supercar has a license plate that is not issued by the LTO.

“The driver has apologized and admitted his mistake of putting the plate on Ramsay’s supercar,” Lacalinao said.