SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
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Introduced by Sen. Manuel "Lito" M. ~,p,id 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Despite pronouncements by no less than the President that we are ushering in a 
period of "wa/ang wang-wang" or one with no preferential treatment to government, 
siren-clad or special licensed vehicles, such vehicles still prevail in the metro's roads. 
These warlords of the road continue to be observed by regular road commuters, 
particularly in Metro Manila. 
It is particularly noticeable that a large number of vehicles now sport 
commemorative plates stating "PNPCIDG," "NBf," "AFP," "DO}," "PNPA-PMA," 
"LAWYER," and "PROSECUTOR, II among others. 
Most of these plates are 
superimposed over the regular plates issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 
These commemorative plates often give the impression that the vehicle is owned by an 
influential person thus causing traffic enforcers to hesitate in calling out traffic 
violations by vehicles bearing such plates. 
Other commemorative plates are issued with the simple goal to honor an event, 
profession, or such similar matter. However, there has been an observed practice of 
issuance and sale of commemorative plates for the sole purpose of avoiding the number 
coding scheme implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to 
decongest traffic in Metro Manila. The latter practice undermines the worthy objectives 
of traffic rules and regulations. 
Commemorative plates are even readily available for purchase online for low 
prices. Although there are regulations providing guidelines on the use and issuance of 
commemorative plates such as those issued by the LTO, the rampant practice shows 
that such regulations lack the power to prevent abusive behavior. Legislation is deemed 
necessary to put an end to the undeserved privilege extended to select individuals who 
profess themselves as warlords of the road. 
EL "LITO" M. LAP~9 
Senator 
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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S.B. No. 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Sen. Manuel "Lito" M. r, .. id 
AN ACT 
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REGULATING THE ISSUANCE OF COMMEMORATIVE PLATES FOR MOTOR 
VEHICLES AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the" Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
1 
Section 1. 
The issuance and use of commemorative plates for motor vehicles 
2 
is hereby regulated in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
3 
4 
Section 2. 
A Commemorative License Plate (CLP) refers to a duly issued plate 
5 
displayed in front of motor vehicles within a limited period, used to commemorate 
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historical events, legitimate organizations, institutions, and persons of national 
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significance. 
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9 
Section 3. 
No CLP shall be issued bearing the names and logos of any 
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department or agency of or positions in the government. 
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12 
Section 4. 
No CLP shall be valid for use for more than six (6) months. 
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Section 5. 
It shall be illegal to display the CLP in a manner that will obscure 
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the view over the regular license plates. Such regular license plates should remain 
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visible at the front and the rear of the vehicle at all times. 
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18 
Section 6. 
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall supervise the 
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production and distribution of the CLPs. It shall likewise make public the list of 
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authorized CLPs and their corresponding validity. 
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22 
Section 7. 
Any person using or otherwise in possession of a motor vehicle 
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with a CLP violative of the provisions of this Act shall be subject to six (6) months 
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imprisonment and a fine of not more than ONE HUNDRED TIlOUSAND PESOS 
25 
(PlOO,OOO.OO). The vehicle subject of the violation shall be impounded until such time 
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that the fine shall have been paid. 
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Any person manufacturing, selling, distributing or otherwise dealing CLPs in 
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violation of this Act shall be subject to six (6) months imprisonment and a fine of not 
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more than ONE HUNDRED TIlOUSAND PESOS (PlOO,OOO.OO). If such person is a 
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juridical entity, its president, chairman, or such other person responsible for the 
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violation shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment provided under this Act. 
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1 


1 
Section 8. The Land Transportation Office is hereby directed to issue the rules 
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and regulations necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this Act. 
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Section 9. All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, 
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which are inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
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accordingly. 
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Section 10. If any provision or part of this Act, or the application thereof to any 
9 
person or circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions of this Act 
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which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
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Section 11. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from 
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the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of 
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general circulation. 
Approved, 
2