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Advocates Philippines
Fake Diplomat Car Seized By LTO After Traffic Violation
Photo credit: LTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has impounded a Volkswagen Jetta after it was caught using blinkers in the middle of traffic and allegedly posing as a diplomatic vehicle, an act authorities say will not be tolerated under Philippine traffic laws.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, following the earlier issuance of a Show Cause Order against the vehicle. Upon verification, the LTO found multiple violations that led to the immediate impounding of the car and the confiscation of the driver’s license.
According to the LTO, the driver was cited for operating a vehicle without updated registration, lack of proper license plates, and use of unauthorized motor vehicle accessories—all of which are clear violations of existing traffic regulations.
Assistant Secretary Lacanilao stressed that no one is exempt from the law, especially those who attempt to bypass regulations by falsely claiming diplomatic status. He said:
"Walang sinumang mas mataas sa batas trapiko. Hindi po tayo maaaring gumamit ng mga palusot tulad ng pagpapanggap na diplomat para makalusot sa mga regulasyon ng LTO. Ang mga patakaran natin ay inilaan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada at para tiyakin na lahat ay pantay-pantay sa harap ng batas. Ang paglilitis na ito ay patunay na seryoso ang LTO sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas trapiko, at hindi tayo titigil hanggang sa makamit natin ang ligtas at maayos na daanan para sa lahat."
The LTO clarified that both the vehicle owner and the driver must comply with all required legal processes, including the payment of fines and correction of violations, before the vehicle can be released.
Authorities also reiterated that enforcement operations will continue nationwide as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to maintain order, fairness, and safety on public roads. The LTO warned motorists against using unauthorized accessories or pretending to have special status, emphasizing that traffic laws apply equally to everyone.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, following the earlier issuance of a Show Cause Order against the vehicle. Upon verification, the LTO found multiple violations that led to the immediate impounding of the car and the confiscation of the driver’s license.
According to the LTO, the driver was cited for operating a vehicle without updated registration, lack of proper license plates, and use of unauthorized motor vehicle accessories—all of which are clear violations of existing traffic regulations.
Assistant Secretary Lacanilao stressed that no one is exempt from the law, especially those who attempt to bypass regulations by falsely claiming diplomatic status. He said:
"Walang sinumang mas mataas sa batas trapiko. Hindi po tayo maaaring gumamit ng mga palusot tulad ng pagpapanggap na diplomat para makalusot sa mga regulasyon ng LTO. Ang mga patakaran natin ay inilaan para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada at para tiyakin na lahat ay pantay-pantay sa harap ng batas. Ang paglilitis na ito ay patunay na seryoso ang LTO sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas trapiko, at hindi tayo titigil hanggang sa makamit natin ang ligtas at maayos na daanan para sa lahat."
The LTO clarified that both the vehicle owner and the driver must comply with all required legal processes, including the payment of fines and correction of violations, before the vehicle can be released.
Authorities also reiterated that enforcement operations will continue nationwide as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to maintain order, fairness, and safety on public roads. The LTO warned motorists against using unauthorized accessories or pretending to have special status, emphasizing that traffic laws apply equally to everyone.
Jan 16, 2026
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