THE “8” protocol plate in the viral video circulating online appears to be fake, House Secretary-General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco said Friday.
Velasco said the House strongly condemns the misuse of the special protocol plate number “8” by the owner or driver of a vehicle recently involved in a traffic altercation, as seen in the video.
“From watching the viral video, it would seem that the protocol plate is fake. It does not seem to have the security features of an original ‘8′ protocol plate. Our law enforcement agencies can easily identify fake plates and confiscate them,” Velasco said.
Velasco urged the authorities to immediately investigate and hold accountable the individual in the video.
“Using a fake special plate number, if that is indeed the case, is illegal and constitutes a punishable offense under existing laws. It is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of official markings and erodes public trust,” he said.
He said the special protocol plate “8” is issued exclusively for official use to sitting members of the House of Representatives.
“Any attempt to impersonate or abuse this privilege is a direct affront to the institution and the law,” he said.
Velasco called on the public to remain vigilant and report similar incidents.
“The House is fully committed to cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who misuse government-issued protocol plates face the full force of the law,” he said.
For his part, House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairman Jude Acidre of Tingog Party-list said Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has discouraged the use of special “8” plates and has called for their surrender to the House.
Acidre also said as far as he knew, no such plates have been issued in the 19th Congress.
“Ako, personally, hindi ho ako gumagamit ng protocol plates, pero may mga kasamahan ho tayo na mas napapadali po ang trabaho nila dahil ho gumagamit sila ng protocol plates,” Acidre told reporters in a press conference via Zoom.
Acidre said those who have been given such privilege should use it appropriately.
“Marami din hong mga public officials who are entitled to use the protocol plates. Eh gamitin ho natin ito ng tama,” he added.
Acidre called for strengthening regulations on the use of such plates.
“Kaya ako po ay nananawagan din po sa secretariat ng House at maging po sa ating mga concerned government agency. Kasi, naalala ko dati kahit sa Lazada, nakakabili ng counterfeit. Sana ay paigtingin pa natin ang mga polisiya at alituntunin sa paggamit at pag-issue po ng mga protocol plate,” Acidre said.
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