Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 56)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 56 is to regulate the issuance of low-numbered (protocol) license plates to government officials, addressing the proliferation and unauthorized use of such plates, thereby ensuring public safety and maintaining the integrity of the vehicle registration system.
The authorized officials include the President of the Philippines (Plate No.1), Vice President (No.2), Senate President (No.3), Speaker of the House (No.4), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (No.5), Cabinet Secretaries (No.6), Senators (No.7), Members of the House of Representatives (No.8), Associate Justices of the Supreme Court (No.9), Presiding Justices of the CA, CTA, Sandiganbayan and Solicitor General (No.10), Chairpersons of Constitutional Commissions and Ombudsman (No.11), Chief of Staff of the AFP and Chief of PNP (No.14), and other officials with equivalent rank upon proper recommendation and approval.
No, protocol license plates are valid only during the incumbent's period in office and must be surrendered to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) upon retirement, resignation, separation from office, or end of their term or tour of duty.
All authorized officials may be allowed a maximum of two (2) pairs of protocol license plates. However, the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court may have a maximum of three (3) pairs.
No, transfer or assignment of protocol license plates to unauthorized persons or motor vehicles is strictly prohibited. Violation can lead to revocation of authority, confiscation of plates, and administrative sanctions under existing laws.
Section 1, Article XI of the Philippine Constitution provides that public office is a public trust, requiring officials to be accountable, responsible, act with integrity, loyalty, efficiency, patriotism, justice, and modesty in their public service.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is directed to develop and maintain a registry of protocol license plates issued to authorized officials and vehicles.
Within 30 days from the effectivity, the DOTr and LTO must formulate and issue guidelines covering application, approval, issuance, return, and confiscation of protocol license plates, without expanding the list of authorized officials.
The unauthorized use, transfer, or issuance to unauthorized parties of protocol license plates shall result in revocation of the license plate authority, confiscation of the plates, and imposition of appropriate penalties, including administrative sanctions under existing laws.