By Junex Doronio

MANILA — In a joint effort to enhance road safety and fortify the integrity of the vehicle registration system, the House of Representatives and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have officially agreed to apprehend drivers utilizing protocol plates bearing the number ‘8.’

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, following a meeting with MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes announced the collaborative initiative to confiscate expired or spurious plates.

Velasco emphasized the importance of curbing the use of unauthorized special plates, citing their threat to public safety and the potential compromise of the vehicle registration system’s integrity.

In line with this commitment, Velasco previously issued a memorandum mandating the surrender of all old ‘8’ plates, clarifying that no lawmakers in the 19th Congress have been issued such protocol plates.

“The House leadership remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring the proper and lawful use of vehicle identification plates,” Velasco stated.

The objective is to eradicate spurious, expired, and fake plates before issuing new ones. The ‘8’ car plate is specifically reserved for vehicles belonging to members of the House.

(ai/mnm)