Manila: Two drivers surrendered their green plates that were illegally placed on their non-hybrid/electric vehicles, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday. At a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP Highway Patrol Group Director Col. Hansel Marantan explained that the two vehicles, a Nissan Navarra (plate number NNX 1064) and a Nissan Terra (NNX 1135), were found using green plates, which are strictly reserved for gasoline-electric hybrid and fully electric vehicles.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marantan stated, "Nag-viral siya kaya hinanap namin. Noong nahuli na namin, nag-cooperate na sila (He went viral so we looked for it. By the time we caught up, they had cooperated)." He further mentioned that the owners voluntarily surrendered the plates to the authorities. This action is part of ongoing efforts to address increasing reports of fake and misclassified green plates. Marantan emphasized the importance of adhering to legal vehicle plate classifications to avoid penalties and inconveniences.

Green plates offer benefits such as exemption from the number coding scheme in Metro Manila. However, upon validation, both vehicle owners provided documents indicating no tampering or irregularities in their purchase. The owner of the Nissan Terra, businessman Oliver Cutamora, claimed that the green plate was issued by his car dealer and expressed willingness to exchange it for a proper one. Cutamora noted that he had raised the issue with his dealership in early 2023 but received no resolution.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Nissan Navarra chose not to face the media and simply surrendered her green plate. During the briefing, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao commented that their records showed both vehicles were originally issued with regular plates. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation into who issued and distributed the green plates, whether it was from the LTO or the car dealers.

Col. Marantan stated that erring drivers will receive tickets, and the cases will be referred to the LTO, which has the authority to file charges and suspend licenses. Moreover, the HPG is investigating reports of illegal green plates being sold for PHP15,000 to PHP30,000.