Photo courtesy of the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau

The House of Representatives and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have officially collaborated to apprehend drivers sporting protocol plates with the number 8.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, in a statement on Wednesday, announced that a meeting with MMDA Acting Chairperson Atty. Romando Artes took place on Tuesday night to address the issue of illegal and unauthorized special protocol license plates.

Velasco emphasized the importance of not tolerating the use of unauthorized plates, citing the potential threat to public safety and the erosion of the vehicle registration system's integrity.

He further clarified that, in the 19th Congress, no lawmakers have been issued protocol plates, dispelling any notions of preferential treatment.

Velasco had previously issued a memorandum mandating the surrender of all old "8" plates. He reiterated the commitment of the House leadership to uphold the law and ensure the proper and lawful use of vehicle identification plates.

Velasco stated that their objective is to eradicate all spurious, expired, and fake plates before issuing new ones.