Speaker Alvarez recalls ‘8’ plates

Out of protocol

SPEAKER Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez has ordered the recall of all the plates of district and party-list representatives in light of reports that cars bearing the special plate “8” were seen in indecent places or being used by crime gangs.

In a memorandum dated Aug. 24 issued by Secretary General Cesar Pareja, lawmakers using the special plate were ordered to turn over the plates to the Office of the Secretary General.

“We have received reports that certain vehicles with Protocol Plate No. 8 have been spotted in indecent places or figured in crime-related activities,” the memorandum read.

“In view of this development, the Honorable Speaker has given instructions for the immediate recall of all protocol plates issued during the 16th Congress and earlier,” it added.

It was Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco who posted a photo of the memorandum in his Instagram account.

Tiangco questioned why the memorandum only pertains to plates distributed during the 16th Congress and earlier.

He pushed for his bill seeking to criminalize the use of special plates by representatives.

“Dapat pati 17th Congress. Hindi naman namin kailangan ng 8 na plaka para magserbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Tiangco said.

“At kung talagang seryoso tungkol dito, ipasa ang panukalang batas ko na nagbabawal sa 8 na plaka, para may parusa sa mga gagamit nito,” he added.

Alvarez issued the order following a report that four vehicles – a Ford Expedition, a Hyundai Starex, a Jaguar, and a Toyota Avanza – with the special plates “8” were intercepted by National Bureau of Investigation agents conducting an operation at suspected cybersex den in Pasay City on Aug. 15. –Marc Jayson Cayabyab