The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has impounded a supercar registered to actor Derek Ramsay as authorities verify its importation documents and legal status amid an investigation into its alleged use of a fake license plate on a public road.
In a DZRH's Dos Por Dos interview, LTO Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao said Thursday that the vehicle was flagged after it was spotted traveling along EDSA with a plate number that was not issued by the agency.
“Kaya ko po inimpound 'yan kailangan ko po maverify ‘yung papeles ng sasakyan,” Lacanilao said.
“Kailangan po natin makita kung maayos ba ang papeles na ito, dumaan ba sa proseso?,” he added.
Lacanilao said the LTO checked its records and found that the plate displayed on the vehicle had not been issued by the agency.
“Pag check ko po sa record... hindi po siya [fake plate number] naisyu ‘yung plaka na ‘yun… walang ganoon plaka inisyu ang LTO,” he said.
The official said only four units of the supercar are believed to be in the Philippines, with an estimated market value of between ₱130 million and ₱160 million.
Lacanilao said the vehicle had already incurred a violation for allegedly replacing its plate and using it while traveling on a public road.
The LTO has issued show-cause orders to Ramsay and the vehicle’s driver, identified as AJ Violago, requiring them to explain the alleged violation.
According to Lacanilao, Violago admitted that he had the plate made and replaced the original plate with one bearing his initials.
The LTO also surrendered the driver’s license of Violago and impounded the Porsche.
Ramsay, meanwhile, reportedly said he was abroad when the incident occurred.
The LTO is continuing its investigation in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to verify the vehicle’s importation documents and determine whether it underwent the proper procedures.
Lacanilao also announced that beginning September 1, vehicles found using fake, replica, or non-issued license plates will be subject to confiscation and impounding as part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on unauthorized plates.
Watch the full interview below.
