Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco has filed a bill seeking to prohibit the use of the number “8” protocol or courtesy license plates issued to members of the House of Representatives.
Tiangco said the proliferation of vehicles bearing protocol plates has long been associated with abusive behavior by individuals driving or using them, whether legitimate officials or those merely posing as such.
“Several times in the past, the proliferation of vehicles with protocol plates has been identified with abusive behavior exhibited by individuals driving or using these vehicles, whether high ranking government officials or persons posing as such,” Tiangco noted.
He pointed out that with over 300 members of Congress, traffic enforcement agencies find it nearly impossible to verify whether vehicles using the plates are legitimate.
Under House Bill 7599, the issuance and use of the number “8” protocol plate would be prohibited, with all existing plates subject to confiscation or cancellation.
Violators may face fines of up to ₱25,000 or imprisonment from one to six months. Lawmakers found violating the measure may also face additional disciplinary action from the House.
“As lawmakers, members of the House of Representatives should set a good example by passing a law that will curtail a privilege presently granted to them and that would put them on equal status with other vehicles on the road,” Tiangco said.
He added that the proposal aligns with broader reforms, citing Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos’ push to tie legislators’ salaries to their official attendance.
“Kung may no work no pay na, kasama iyan sa reform na kailangan,” Tiangco remarked.
Tiangco previously filed a similar measure during the 17th Congress, but it was never acted upon.