Remember when former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to automatically suspend the licenses of erring motorists for 90 days, particularly those caught on video violating traffic laws?

Keeping this promise of accountability, the new LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, has given DOTr Undersecretary for Internal Audit and Special Concerns, Ricky Alfonso, until the end of the day to surrender his driver and his Lexus LX570 to face the consequences.

A video that surfaced on social media last week showed Usec. Alfonso’s vehicle was allegedly involved in a road rage confrontation with another vehicle along one of Metro Manila’s main roads.

In the video, one of Usec. Alfonso’s security personnel were seen and allegedly slapped the other motorist involved in the altercation, even boasting that they were “transporting a VIP.” What drew the ire of netizens, however, was the apparent use of unauthorized wang-wang—complete with blinkers and sirens—and a protocol Plate No. 10. This specific plate designation is reserved exclusively for justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, the Sandiganbayan, and the Office of the Solicitor General. Alfonso, however, holds none of these positions.

The new LTO Chief emphasized that the agency is committed to enforcing all laws and regulations “without fear or favor, regardless of position or title.”

“The use of blinkers, sirens, and protocol plates is strictly regulated under existing laws and administrative orders. We will not tolerate any misuse of these privileges, especially by individuals who should serve as examples to the public,” said LTO Asec. Markus Lacanilao.

In another statement released by the DOTr, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez has ordered the revocation of authority to use protocol license plates issued to DOTr officials, including those from its attached agencies. This was done to prevent further misuse and abuse in using special government license plates.

Last year, the President issued Administrative Order No. 18, reaffirming his late father’s 1973 Presidential Decree No. 96, which strictly prohibits the use of sirens, blinkers, and similar signaling devices on vehicles, except those officially used by law enforcement, emergency, or rescue services.

Sec. Lopez issued a Notice to Explain (NTE) to Usec. Alfonso, reminding him that no one in public service is above the law. Lopez emphasized that government officials are constitutionally duty-bound to “be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, and act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”

Lopez also confirmed that the DOTr official’s driver has been dismissed from service following the incident.