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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SUV 'kamote' driver's No. 8 plate appears to be fake, says House official

SUV 'kamote' driver's No. 8 plate appears to be fake, says House official

Published Apr 4, 2025 03:10 am

At A Glance

  • The "kamote" driver in the latest viral traffic video is most likely using a fake no.8 protocol plate on his sports utility vehicle (SUV), according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.

20250404_102319.jpgScreenshot from the viral video of the kamote driver (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The "kamote" driver in the latest viral traffic video is most likely using a fake no.8 protocol plate on his sports utility vehicle (SUV).

This, after House Secretary General Reginald Velasco commented on the short clip on Friday, April 3, and noticed that the no.8 plate being brandished looked off.

"From the picture taken, it would seem that the protocol plate is fake, it does not have the security features of an original 8 protocol plate," Velasco told House of Representatives reporters in a statement.

"Law enforcement can identify fake plates and conficate them," he added.

In the viral video, the driver of the silver SUV bearing the no,8 plate is seen telling off another driver whom he has a traffic issue with. He can be heard threatening to shoot the other driver before going back to his SUV.

No.8 protocol plates are issued to congressmen. 

This means that, to the casual observer, the kamote behavior exhibited by the driver could have easily been associated with a congressman or his or her staff, thus casting a bad light in the House of Representatives.

In April 2024, Velasco revealed that the House, under Speaker Martin Romualdez, has not authorized the use of official plates for vehicles of House members in the current 19th Congress.

"The House has an existing agreement with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), wherein drivers found using plates with the number '8' will be apprehended, and such plates will be confiscated promptly," shared the House official back then.

A kamote driver or motorist is anybody perceived as rude, abusive, or a menace on the road.

In a statement Friday afternoon, Velasco said that the House "strongly condemns the misuse of the special protocol plate number '8'" as shown in the viral video. 

"We urge the appropriate authorities to immediately investigate and hold accountable the individual in the video. Using a fake special plate number, it that is indeed the case, is illegal and constitutes a punishable offense under existing laws. It is a serious matter that undermines the integrity of official markings and erodes public trust," he said.

"The special protocol plate “8” is issued exclusively for official use by sitting members of the House of Representatives. Any attempt to impersonate or abuse this privilege is a direct affront to the institution and the law," added Velasco.

 

Related Tags

House of Representatives Kamote reginald velasco protocol plates
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