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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LTO: Over 40 right-hand drive vehicles seized in Davao City raids

LTO: Over 40 right-hand drive vehicles seized in Davao City raids

Published Jun 4, 2025 04:30 pm
Police's Highway Patrol Group operatives inspect imported right-hand motor vehicles, which the LTO said is illegal, during three separate raids in Davao City. (photo: LTO)
Police's Highway Patrol Group operatives inspect imported right-hand motor vehicles, which the LTO said is illegal, during three separate raids in Davao City. (photo: LTO)

Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel, backed by the local police, raided three auto supply stores in Davao City for alleged illegal importation and assembly of right-hand motor vehicles.

LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the operations were part of the intensified campaign against illegal importation of right-hand motor vehicles following a successful operation in Quezon City last month.

Mendoza identified the raided stores on May 21 as JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp., Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and Umar Japan OPC. 

“This is part of our sustained operations since the raid we conducted in Quezon City last month against these kinds of illegal activities. We are conducting an investigation and charges will be filed,” said Mendoza.

According to Mendoza, the three motor vehicle surplus shops have no LTO accreditation as importer, rebuilder and dealer of right-hand drive motor vehicles.

And he said the intelligence reports confirmed that employees of the three auto surplus stores are conducting backyard rebuilding right-hand drive motor vehicles.

“The importation of right-hand drive motor vehicles is also illegal itself,” said Mendoza.

He cited Republic Act 8506, or An Act Banning the Registration and Operation of Vehicles With Right-Hand Steering Wheel in any Private or Public Street, Road or Highway, as the basis for the raid. 

The law prohibits “any person to import, cause the importation of, register, cause the registration of, use, or operate any vehicle with its steering wheel right-hand side thereof in any highway, street or road, whether private or public or of the national or local government.”

LTO personnel seized 42 right-hand drive vehicles at the storage area of Umar Japan OPC, another right-hand drive motor vehicle from Mahar Motor Surplus Corp, and two right-hand drive trucks from JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp.

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