Andaya asks lawmakers from 16th Congress to return special license plates

Updated (5:53 p.m.)

Majority Floor Leader Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr.  asked former members of the House of Representatives from the 16th Congress on Wednesday to return their special license plates in the wake of issues involving a car with an “8” plate.

“We would like to reiterate the memorandum issued by the Secretary-General for all members of the House regarding the recall of protocol plate number 8,” Andaya said during the regular session.

“We have received reports that certain vehicles with protocol plate number 8 have been spotted in indecent places or figured in crime-related activities. In view of this development, the honorable Speaker has given instructions for the immediate recall of all protocol plates issued during the 16th Congress and earlier,” he said.

Andaya’s request comes after the driver of a Toyota FJ Cruiser bearing an old “8” plate was involved in a road-rage incident along MacArthur Highway in Angeles City, Pampanga on Sunday.

He said former lawmakers can hand over their license plates before the secretary-general of the House.

The car was initially believed to be owned by Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo Lazatin II, but it was revealed later that neither he nor any member of his family was a member of the 16th Congress.

The driver, identified as Jojo Valerio, a 30-year-old entertainer from Quezon City, was arrested in Tarlac earlier. He said he was on his way to Angeles for a gig.

Authorities are now investigating how Valerio, who claimed that he is the son of a congressman, has acquired an “8” plate. /ee

READ: Lawmaker denies owning car involved in Pampanga road rage

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