The Transportation department said it expects to issue new vehicle plates with additional security features by September this year.
The agency also said the Land Transportation Office is currently embarking on its proposal to locally produce plates in order to expedite production time and avoid shortages in the future.
The LTO stressed its commitment to normalize the process in the production and distribution of license plates as the current backlog has been identified to be at least a million vehicle plates.
“While we are trying to address the current backlog in the production and distribution of license plates, we are also serious in apprehending elements who illegally produce, distribute and use fake plates,” LTO Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said.
On Wednesday, a joint operation was conducted by the Quezon City Police District—District Special Operations Unit, the Philippine National Police Anti-Carnapping Unit and the LTO-National Capital Region in the residence of couple Jahaziel Alcantara (32 years old) and Kristine Nemenzo (22 years old) in Sitio Veterans, Brgy. Bagong Silangan in Quezon City.
Prior to the operation, authorities conducted a test buy operation on June 22, 2017 after receiving reports of the couple’s alleged illegal activities. A search warrant was secured on July 3, 2017 from QCRTC Branch 78.
Recovered and seized from the site were twenty-six (26) motor vehicle number plates, three motorcycle plates, 25 metal sheets, cold laminated board, a laptop, a pressing manual machine, a logbook and receipts of transactions.
The couple will face charges of violations of Presidential Decree 1730 (Syndicated printing, manufacture, distribution or use of fake LTO documents and plates) and Article 2, Section 31 of Republic Act 4136 or the “Land Transportation and Traffic Code.”