A white Toyota 86 sports car bearing the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) logo was spotted on Quezon Avenue, raising questions about possible violations of laws against impersonating government vehicles.
Automotive publication VISOR on Friday, September 19 posted a photo sent by Botchi Santos of the car with the logo of the government agency currently embroiled in controversies for alleged anomalous flood control projects.
“Spotted on Quezon Avenue by a friend. I wonder if there is a law against this. Impersonating a government vehicle?” the sender was quoted as saying by the publication on Facebook.
The post quickly drew reactions online, with some suggesting the car owner was mocking the DPWH amid ongoing corruption probes.
“Nang-aasar lang ‘yan ng mga buwaya,” a Facebook user wrote with a grinning-squinting face emoji.
“Owner is probably so upset with the current issue,” another user commented.
“Baka naman [nang-aasar] lang ‘yan, hahaha…” wrote a different Pinoy.
The DPWH is in the spotlight over allegations of corruption in flood control projects involving its contractors, with some discovered to have lavish lifestyles with their ostentatious displays of wealth.
Contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who admitted to bribing officials, were found to own nearly 40 luxury cars. Meanwhile, influencer Claudine Co, daughter of another contractor, has drawn attention for flaunting designer goods online.
The scandal has already led to the resignation of DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who was replaced by former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon.
RELATED: Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan linked to alleged kickback with Villanueva
Possible legal repercussions
Other commenters were quick to cite laws that could apply to the unauthorized use of government insignia.
“Tongpats-tongpats [patong-patong] na kaso ‘to,” a Facebook user wrote, and then shared some laws the car owner may have possibly violated.
“Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code (Usurpation of Authority): Applies when someone knowingly and falsely presents themselves as a government officer or representative and performs acts under that false pretense,” the user added.
“Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Use of Insignia): Punishes anyone who publicly and improperly uses insignia, uniforms, or dresses belonging to an office they do not hold or a class to which they do not belong,” the user said.
“Republic Act No. 8293 (Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines): May apply, particularly for school and local government logos, as it protects trademarks and other intellectual property from unauthorized use,” he wrote.
Government-owned vehicles are typically marked with the logos of their agencies to signify official use. It was not clear as of press time whether the DPWH would investigate the case.
