LTO says ‘7’ protocol plate on viral SUV is fake

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday said that the number “7” protocol plate spotted on a viral erring sports utility vehicle (SUV) was fake.

READ: Driver of SUV with ‘7’ plate allegedly attempts to run over an enforcer

The LTO made the pronouncement after stating that it had already looked into the video of the vehicle attempting to run over an enforcer in Guadalupe, Makati City.

According to the LTO, the driver “put to danger” the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) enforcers “who were only doing their job.”

“The initial information we have based on the assessment of the pieces of evidence at hand is that the ‘7’ protocol plate attached to the SUV in the viral video is fake and that there was no protocol plate issued to the same type of vehicle,” the LTO said in a statement.

LTO said it is already coordinating with the DOTr-SAICT for the details of the white SUV to identify its registered owner.

Furthermore, the LTO said it is also working with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero in further investigating the incident.

The LTO then assured the public that a show cause order would be issued against both the driver and registered owner “in the soonest possible time” to explain a “string of violations” identified by the agency based on existing laws and regulations.

These violations, said LTO, included “disregarding traffic signs and improper person to operate a motor vehicle.”