The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) against a government agency after a vehicle allegedly using an improvised or fake red plate was seen traveling on a public road and later circulated on social media.
In a statement, the LTO said the vehicle involved was a Ford Explorer reportedly registered under the government agency. Verification conducted by the agency showed that the vehicle was last registered on April 11, 2025.
The LTO directed the agency’s authorized representative and the vehicle’s designated driver to appear before the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the LTO Central Office on May 13, 2026, at 2 pm.
They were ordered to explain why they should not face administrative charges for “Use of Unauthorized Improvised Plate” and “Compulsory Registration.”
The driver may also face separate charges for “Reckless Driving” and “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle,” according to the SCO.
The LTO warned that failure to attend the scheduled hearing would be considered a waiver of their right to explain their side, allowing the case to be resolved based on available evidence.
As part of temporary measures, the agency said the vehicle has been placed under alarm status, while the driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days pending investigation.
LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao stressed that all motorists and institutions are expected to follow traffic laws and regulations.
“No one — be it a private individual or government agency — is exempt from the implementation of traffic laws and LTO regulations. Anyone who is found to offend will be punished accordingly,” Lacanilao said.
He added that government agencies should set an example in complying with road rules and regulations.
The LTO also reminded vehicle owners and government offices to ensure that all vehicles and registration documents comply with existing laws to maintain order and integrity on the country’s roads.