A personnel of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) was seen driving a motorcycle without a license plate while on duty in the city.
Automotive publication VISOR on Thursday, July 31, posted a photo submitted by Hans Lazaro showing an MTPB officer riding a motorcycle without a license plate.
Instead of a license plate, the motorcycle had a black plate attached that read: “MANILA TRAFFIC.”
“Hi, Visor. Saw this MTPB motorcycle this morning. Allergic talaga sila sa plaka,” the publication wrote as a caption, quoting the sender.
The motorcycle was seen at the intersection of Padre Faura Street and Taft Avenue.
The post has received over 1,200 likes and reactions, along with more than 360 comments, with many Filipinos expressing disapproval of the violation.
“Yorme, ano na?!” a Facebook user commented, referring to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso’s nickname.
“Kung sino pa mga nasa gobyerno, ginagwamg habit paglabag sa batas,” another commented.
“Takot sa #NCAP,” quipped a different Pinoy, referring to the No-Contact Apprehension Policy implemented in Metro Manila, in which CCTVs rely on license plates to catch violators of traffic rules.
“Orayt… excempted si sir,” another commented.
“Paano mo ire-report ang ganyan kapag na aksidente o naka-aksidente? Sabihin mo ba na Manila Traffic ang plaka, alam na nila?” a different Pinoy wondered.
The MTPB serves as Manila’s traffic enforcers, responsible for implementing road rules and apprehending violators within the city.
Earlier this month, a motorcycle rider wearing a Philippine National Police athletic shirt was caught violating traffic rules while driving in Metro Manila.
One of the violations recorded was driving without a license plate attached to the vehicle.
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Driving a motor vehicle without a license plate is prohibited under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The law states that motor vehicles “shall display in conspicuous places” their license plates at the front and rear parts of the vehicle.
“The number plates shall be kept clean and cared for, and shall be firmly affixed to the motor vehicle in such a manner as will make it entirely visible and always legible,” the law said.
Last February, the LTO reminded motorists that they would be penalized P5,000 if caught traveling without a license plate in their vehicle.
License plates serve as proof that a vehicle has been properly registered and is allowed to be used on public roads.
