Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday issued a stern warning to motorists regarding the use of fake plates. This warning comes on the heels of an intensified crackdown targeting illegal manufacturers and sellers of counterfeit plates.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua Jr. emphasized that there is now no justification for using fake plates, as the backlog of vehicle plates has been completely cleared. Pua stated, "Lahat may plaka na (All plates have been made), and right now, we are focusing on the immediate distribution of these plates to their owners. In fact, we have already downloaded millions of license plates down to the regional level for distribution."

The crackdown is part of a larger initiative aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to combat illegal activities within the transportation sector. Currently, the LTO is working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance the monitoring of fake plate sellers, particularly on social media platforms.

Pua issued a strong warning to those involved in the illegal trade, stating, "Titiyakin namin na mananagot kayo, kaya ngayon pa lang, itigil na ninyo ang iligal na gawain ninyo (We will ensure that you will be punished, so, from this moment, stop your illegal activities)."

Furthermore, it was announced by Pua and Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday that the 11-year backlog on license plates for both four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles has been resolved. The previous week saw the arrest of four individuals by LTO personnel and the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for manufacturing and selling fake license plates in San Ildefonso, Bulacan.