Derek Ramsay has spoken about the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) investigation involving a supercar that was allegedly using a fake license plate, saying that he will cooperate and appear before the agency if requested.
In an Instagram Story on August 15, the actor said he does not use vehicles with unauthorized plates and maintained that his cars have proper documentation and plates.
“I’ve seen the issue regarding the 918 spyder on social media. I do not drive any cars with fake plates. All my vehicles have proper plates,” he wrote.
The actor clarified that he has not yet received a Show Cause Order (SCO) from the agency but said he is prepared to cooperate should the LTO require his presence.
“Please carefully read the statement issued by LTO to properly understand what is happening. I have not yet received any show cause order but I will cooperate and appear when requested,” he said.
The actor also apologized to the LTO over the situation and agreed that the use of fake license plates should not be tolerated.
Derek’s statement came after the LTO announced that it had issued an SCO against the registered owner and designated driver of the supercar after its investigation allegedly found that the vehicle was using an unauthorized plate.
According to the agency, the alphanumeric combination displayed on the vehicle’s plate did not correspond with the officially assigned motor vehicle license plate number in its records.
Although the LTO did not identify Derek as the registered owner in its SCO, initial findings identified Derek as the registered owner of the vehicle.
The agency’s findings indicated that the vehicle had allegedly been sold to a businessman who was reportedly the person driving it when the alleged violation was discovered. However, the vehicle had apparently not yet been transferred to the buyer’s name, leaving Derek listed as its registered owner in LTO records.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao told GMA News that Derek would need to provide documents establishing the vehicle’s ownership history.
“Kailangan niyang i-prove sa amin sa LTO kung nabenta na niya o pinahiram ba niya, para malinawan lahat. Kailangan dalhin niya 'yung mga deed of sale niya – na nabenta na niya doon sa tao para ma-determine na kung 'yung tao lang ang may problema,” he stated.
According to the SCO, the registered owner and designated driver have been ordered to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on August 24 and provide a verified or sworn explanation regarding the alleged violation.
The designated driver was also directed to explain why their driver’s license should not be suspended or revoked for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.
As part of the agency’s enforcement action, the driver’s license was placed under a 90-day preventive suspension and ordered surrendered to the IID. The vehicle was also placed under alarm status, while the LTO’s Law Enforcement Service was directed to carry out its impoundment.
“Walang VIP sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Kahit sino pa ang sangkot, kapag napatunayang lumabag, haharap sa kaukulang pananagutan. Hindi magdadalawang-isip ang LTO na kumilos laban sa sinumang lalabag sa ating mga patakaran. Walang palakasan, walang palusot, at walang exemption. Ang paggamit ng pekeng plaka at pag-iwas sa mga obligasyong dapat tuparin ay hindi pinapalampas ng LTO,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Lacanilao said in a statement.
The LTO has likewise reminded motorists and registered vehicle owners to ensure their vehicle documents are legitimate and that all required obligations have been completed before driving on public roads.
The agency also stressed that a person’s status, identity, or even the value of their vehicle does not exempt them from complying with transportation regulations.