Good news for every normal motorist on the road in the Philippines. Aside from the immediate ban on the use of wang-wang, anyone seen using the single digit “8” plate on the road will be apprehended and the plate confiscated, as it’s considered illegal.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said that the House of Representatives has not authorized the use of official plates for the current 19th Congress.

The statement says:

The unauthorized and illegal use of special plates is a matter that should not be tolerated, as it poses a threat to public safety and undermines the integrity of the vehicle registration system. We urge all individuals to comply with the law and refrain from engaging in such activities.

One recent and notable example is Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (with a “7” plate), which was caught traversing the EDSA bus lane a few days ago, only for him to say it was being “used by a family member.”

In a perfect world, those with special low-numbered plates (see Executive Order No. 56) should not abuse their positions to skirt the hellish traffic situation.