LTO Places Honda Click Under Alarm After Viral Picture Shows Plate Covered to Avoid NCAP

LTO Places Honda Click Under Alarm After Viral Picture Shows Plate Covered to Avoid NCAP. In a decisive move to uphold road safety and reinforce compliance with traffic regulations, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has recently placed a Honda Click motorcycle under alarm after a viral image exposed its deliberate attempt to circumvent the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). This incident has spotlighted the growing challenges faced by authorities in maintaining discipline on Philippine roads, especially amid evolving tactics by motorists to dodge detection.

This article provides an in-depth look at the incident, the LTO’s response, the legal grounds, the penalties, and the broader implications for motorists in the Philippines. We’ll also explore how this fits into President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s wider directive to strengthen traffic law enforcement and ensure public road safety.

How the Incident Unfolded

It all started when a photo made rounds on Facebook, swiftly garnering attention with the caption “Kanya-kanyang paraan,” loosely translated as “Everyone has their own way.” The image showed a Honda Click motorcycle with its license plate partially obscured by black electrical tape. Particularly, the third digit of the plate number was covered, rendering the plate unreadable by enforcement cameras deployed under the NCAP.

This tactic, authorities suspect, was a calculated maneuver to avoid detection by automated traffic systems, thereby escaping possible citations for violations such as speeding or illegal lane changes. Such deliberate alteration of license plates is not only unethical but also a direct violation of Philippine traffic laws.

The LTO Swift and Stern Response

Under the direction of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, the LTO, led by Acting Chief Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr., took immediate action upon verifying the viral post. The agency issued a Show Cause Order (SCO) to the registered owner of the Honda Click, requiring them to explain why they should not be held administratively liable for the infraction.

According to Atty. Pua, “Such acts are clear violations of our laws. We will not allow drivers who intentionally conceal their identity on the road to get away with it. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we are committed to holding violators accountable.”

Legal Basis: What Laws Were Violated?

The actions taken by the motorcycle owner and rider breach several provisions of Philippine law. Most notably:

Covering or modifying a license plate to avoid detection directly undermines the enforcement of traffic rules under the NCAP, which heavily relies on clear visibility of plate numbers captured by surveillance systems.

Escalation: Preventive Suspension and Alarm on Records

Pending the resolution of this case, the LTO has enforced a preventive suspension of the driver’s license of the designated rider for 90 days, effective immediately upon surrender of the license. This means the driver is prohibited from legally operating any motor vehicle during this period.

Additionally:

• The driver’s license details and the Honda Click’s plate number have been placed under alarm.
• This effectively blocks any transactions involving the vehicle or license, such as registration renewals or ownership transfers, until the investigation concludes.

The LTO also directed both the registered owner and the designated driver to appear before its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) and submit a written explanation. Failure to comply will be deemed a waiver of their right to be heard, and the case will proceed based on available evidence.

Why This Case Matters: Erosion of Trust and Public Safety Risks

This incident is more than just a matter of an obscured license plate. It strikes at the heart of public trust in traffic enforcement systems. The No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) was designed to promote impartial, technology-driven enforcement by minimizing direct human intervention. When motorists intentionally sabotage this system, it compromises the effectiveness of automated monitoring and puts law-abiding road users at risk.

Atty. Pua stressed, “We will not stop until we hold accountable those who engage in this kind of deception. These tactics not only aim to circumvent the NCAP but also jeopardize lives and degrade public confidence in our traffic systems.”

The Broader Campaign: Backed by the President and DOTr

This action by the LTO aligns with President Marcos Jr.’s explicit directive to clamp down on traffic law violators and safeguard public road safety. Under the close guidance of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, the campaign has intensified to address not just visible violations but also more covert tactics like plate tampering.

Chief of the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division, Renante Melitante, underscored the gravity of such behavior:

“This kind of conduct reveals an intention to deceive authorities. It says a lot about a person’s fitness to operate a motor vehicle.”

How the Public Can Help: Reporting Rogue Motorists

The LTO has called on the public to be vigilant and report similar incidents. According to Atty. Pua, community cooperation is crucial in identifying and apprehending violators. Evidence such as photos or videos can be submitted to help authorities take swift action.

As he aptly put it:

“What we all want is a safe and disciplined road environment. Together, through responsible driving and vigilant reporting, we can achieve this.”

Summary of Actions Taken by LTO

Strengthening the NCAP for the Future

Incidents like this underscore the need to continually improve systems such as the No Contact Apprehension Policy. While technology has streamlined enforcement and reduced opportunities for bribery or selective apprehension, it remains vulnerable to intentional sabotage like plate tampering.

Moving forward, the LTO and DOTr may explore integrating plate recognition systems that can flag anomalies (like unusual plate coverings) in real-time, as well as stricter checks during vehicle inspections.

FAQs About LTO Places Honda Click Under Alarm After Viral Picture Shows Plate Covered to Avoid NCAP

What does it mean when the LTO places a vehicle or license “under alarm”?

Ans: When the LTO places a vehicle or driver’s license under alarm, it means they have flagged the records to prevent any transactions, such as registration renewal or ownership transfer, until the case is resolved. This is a common measure in ongoing investigations.

What penalties can the owner or driver face for covering their license plate?

Ans: Under Section 18 of R.A. 4136, altering or obscuring a license plate is prohibited and can lead to fines, suspension, or even revocation of the driver’s license. The current case may also result in harsher penalties if the parties fail to respond properly.

How can the public report motorists who try to evade the NCAP?

Ans: Citizens can report incidents by submitting photos, videos, or other evidence directly to the LTO through their official hotlines or online platforms. This helps authorities take prompt action against violators and keeps the roads safer for everyone.

Conclusion

The incident involving the Honda Click motorcycle with a concealed license plate has become a clear example of how some motorists attempt to outsmart traffic laws at the expense of public road safety. Thanks to decisive action by the LTO, supported by President Marcos Jr. and DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, this case serves as a stern warning that deceptive tactics will not be tolerated.