Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the revocation of protocol license plates issued to Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials, following a series of disputes over misuse and unauthorized privileges. The move comes after scrutiny intensified around the use of blinkers and protocol plates in road altercations involving high-ranking officials.

The DOTr has also summoned the executive involved to explain the unauthorized use of blinking lights paired with protocol plates. Officials are probing whether these devices were employed to circumvent traffic rules or to project a special status.

One major flashpoint was the October 10 incident involving Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso, whose driver was captured on video allegedly punching and slapping another motorist on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. In the footage, the aggressor invoked a “VIP” status and the vehicle bore a low-numbered protocol plate.

Acting Secretary Lopez issued a Notice to Explain to Alfonso, giving him three days to justify why no disciplinary action should be taken. The memo emphasized that protocol plates do not automatically confer immunity from traffic laws and that public officials must observe high standards of ethics.

Lopez underscored that public office is a public trust, and misuse of protocol privileges undermines public confidence. He warned that acts showing bad faith, gross negligence, or abuse of authority by officials or their aides will not be tolerated.

As investigations proceed, the DOTr is expected to enforce stricter oversight of protocol plate issuance and usage. Observers see the case as a test of accountability within the agency and a signal for reform in how officials leverage special privileges on public roads.