LTO Chief personally nabs driver pretending to be a cop

The “wang-wang mentality” is a Filipino term for motorists who act entitled or believe they’re above the rules on the road. Unless your vehicle is for official use by the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BFP, or is a hospital ambulance, using sirens and blinkers in any type of vehicle has been illegal since 1973 under Presidential Decree 96.

Despite the law (old as it may be), many motorists still exhibit the “wang-wang mentality,” acting as if they are above the rules. These include riders on big bikes, SUV drivers, and even some on scooters. Recently, one such motorist was caught using unauthorized blinkers and sirens along EDSA in Quezon City, an incident made even more notable as the vehicle was flagged down personally by LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao.

According to the LTO, further verification revealed that the vehicle was displaying an incorrect motor vehicle (MV) file number on its temporary plate. As a result, authorities brought both the driver and the vehicle to the LTO Central Office, where the driver was issued a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP).

However, the situation quickly escalated for the driver when authorities discovered he was in possession of what appears to be a fake police identification card and badge, raising serious concerns of identity misrepresentation. A more thorough search of the vehicle also uncovered an airsoft Glock 18 as well as several rounds of live 9mm ammunition.

Following these discoveries, the driver was immediately turned over to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for custody, investigation, and the filing of the appropriate criminal charges. 

The LTO further noted that its records indicate the vehicle’s license plate had already been issued in 2023, but was never affixed by the driver. As a result, the driver was cited for Failure to Attach License Plates, violating Section 18 of Republic Act No. 4136 (the Land Transportation and Traffic Code), and for Use of Unauthorized Accessories under Presidential Decree No. 96. Heavy as those issues may be, these would pale in comparison to the violations under the Revised Penal Code such as Usurpation of Authority as well as violation of Republic Act 10591 for the illegal carrying of a replica firearm.