House: All No. ‘8’ car plates illegitimate

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has not issued any special protocol plates, numbered “8,” and any such plates being used and seen in thoroughfares at this time should be considered illegitimate.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, in a statement, emphasized that the House remains opposed to the use of number “8” car plates and has an agreement with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to apprehend drivers using such plates.

Under the agreement, the number “8” plates should be promptly confiscated.

“We urge all individuals to comply with the law and refrain from engaging in such activities. We expect all Members [of the House] to uphold the highest standards of integrity and adherence to the law,” he added.

This came after Sen. Francis Escudero’s vehicle bearing a number “7” protocol plate for senators was caught on the Edsa busway on April 11—the latest politician to be caught using the dedicated bus lane despite repeated reminders that it was only to be used by the Edsa bus carousel.

Escudero clarified he was not inside the vehicle, a black Toyota Land Cruiser, when it was caught, and that it was being used by the “driver of a family member” at the time.

Escudero apologized for the incident and returned the No. 7 plate to Senate. —KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING