Derek Ramsay to cooperate with LTO amid probe over car with alleged fake plate

Derek Ramsay said he will cooperate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) amid its investigation into a supercar flagged for allegedly using a fake license plate.

Ramsay addressed the issue in an Instagram Story on Saturday, Aug. 15, declaring that all his vehicles have proper plates.

“I’ve seen the issue regarding the 918 spyder on social media. I do not drive any cars with fake plates. All my vehicles have proper plates,” Ramsay wrote.

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The actor said he has yet to receive a Show Cause Order (SCO) from the LTO but would appear before the agency if requested.

“[Please] carefully read the statement issued by [LTO] to properly understand what is happening. I have not yet received any show cause order but I will cooperate and appear when requested,” he said.

Ramsay also apologized to the LTO and acknowledged that using a fake plate is wrong, saying, “To the LTO I apologize for what is going on. Driving with fake plates is wrong and should not be tolerated.”

Ramsay’s statement came after the LTO said in a press release posted on Facebook on Friday, Aug. 14, that it had issued an SCO against an actor and designated driver of a supercar after determining that it was using a fake plate while traveling on public roads.

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While it did not name Ramsay in its statement, the agency said it had verified that the plate number being used by the vehicle had a different alphanumeric combination from the original motor vehicle license plate assigned to it.

The registered owner and designated driver were ordered to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) and submit a verified or sworn explanation regarding the alleged violation involving the use of number plates.

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The driver was also asked to explain why their licenses should not be suspended or revoked for being considered improper persons to operate a motor vehicle.

The LTO also placed the designated driver’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension and ordered its surrender to the IID. The supercar was placed under alarm status, while the agency’s Law Enforcement Service was ordered to implement its impoundment.

“Walang VIP sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Kahit sino pa ang sangkot, kapag napatunayang lumabag, haharap sa kaukulang pananagutan. Hindi magdadalawang-isip ang LTO na kumilos laban sa sinumang lalabag sa ating mga patakaran. Walang palakasan, walang palusot, at walang exemption,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said.

(There are no VIPs in the enforcement of the law. Whoever is involved, if found to have violated the rules, will face the corresponding accountability. The LTO will not hesitate to act against anyone who violates our regulations. There will be no favoritism, no excuses, and no exemptions.)

Lacanilao added that the use of fake plates and failure to comply with obligations would not be tolerated by the agency.

The LTO reminded motorists and registered vehicle owners to ensure that their documents, plates, and vehicle registrations are legitimate and that all required obligations have been fulfilled before using their vehicles on public roads.

The agency also said a person’s status, name, or the value of their vehicle would not exempt them from enforcement of its rules. /edv