The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered all chiefs of police and unit commanders to ensure that patrol cars and other official vehicles comply with license plate, registration, and documentation requirements.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. issued the directive following the circulation of a photo showing a police vehicle being used without a license plate.
Nartatez said the order is intended to prevent irregularities in the use of police vehicles and reinforce accountability among personnel responsible for government motor pool assets.
“We treat this matter with utmost seriousness, and I have already ordered an immediate investigation to ensure that all rules on vehicle identification and road compliance are strictly upheld without exception,” Nartatez said.
The issue gained public attention on Wednesday, September 9, after the image of the unplated police car spread across social media and prompted questions about whether the PNP was observing traffic regulations.
The vehicle was identified as an asset assigned to the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) and was spotted along Commonwealth Avenue without a license plate.
While the PNP confirmed that the vehicle is officially registered under the PSPG, the organization stressed that its official vehicles remain subject to mandatory identification and plate requirements.
Nartatez has ordered an immediate inventory and inspection of vehicles under the PSPG and other support units to determine whether they have the required plates and legal documents.
He also directed authorities to establish the identities of the driver, detail officer, and immediate supervisor responsible for the vehicle when the incident occurred.
Any violation or administrative deficiency uncovered during the investigation will be addressed under existing PNP rules and applicable due process procedures.
“No policeman is above the law, and our handling of this incident reflects our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the strict enforcement of due process within the organization,” Nartatez said.