Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 297)
The purpose of Memorandum Order No. 297 is to assign the number 17 as Protocol License Plates to motor vehicles used by judges of first level courts, including Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC), Metropolitan Trial Court in the Cities (MTCC), Municipal Trial Court (MTC), and Shari'a Court.
Judges from the Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC), Metropolitan Trial Court in the Cities (MTCC), Municipal Trial Court (MTC), and Shari'a Court are covered by the assignment of Protocol License Plate number 17.
The license plate number assigned under Memorandum Order No. 297 is designated as 'Protocol' License Plates with the number 17.
Memorandum Order No. 297 took effect immediately after its publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.
In this context, 'Protocol' license plates refer to a special designation (number 17) assigned exclusively for vehicles used by judges of lower courts to signify their official judicial use and status.
No, the Memorandum Order specifically mentions only first level courts: Metropolitan Trial Court, Metropolitan Trial Court in the Cities, Municipal Trial Court, and Shari'a Court judges.
The legal authority is derived from the power vested in the Executive Secretary by the President of the Philippines to issue such orders and directives.
No, Memorandum Order No. 297 does not mention any penalties or sanctions for misuse of the assigned license plates.
Assigning a specific license plate number such as 17 serves to identify vehicles officially used by judicial officers, thereby enhancing security, recognition, and protocol privileges related to their status and functions.