Inspection on cars with green plate eyed to prevent misuse, PNP-HPG clarifies

MANILA: The Philippine National Police–Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) clarified that the inspection of vehicles with green license plates are designed to address misuse.

Such a statement was issued following the commotion over social media after reports quoting Acting HPG Director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan came out, saying that new energy vehicle owners need to secure a certification from the Department of Energy (DOE).

According to the government agency, the early statement from the Acting Director was intended “to emphasize the Group’s commitment to ensuring that only legitimately recognized electric and hybrid vehicles enjoy the benefits provided by law.”

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“It was not meant to imply that owners are required to personally obtain certification from the Department of Energy,” PNP-HPG mentioned.

According to PNP-HPG, Police Colonel Hansel Marantan stressed that the police force cannot ignore complaints and reports involving motor vehicles that allegedly use unauthorized or fake green plates. He also said that it would be unfair to law-abiding motorists if others were to benefit from this privilege without rightful authorization.

Further, Marantan also noted that should a vehicle bear green plates but was not included in the energy department’s list, the PNP-HPG is duty-bound to inspect the vehicle’s documents and coordinate with the LTO to verify its authenticity and correct the registration, if necessary.

Marantan was also quoted as saying that the energy department is the sole authority that keeps the official list of legitimate hybrid and electric vehicles qualified to use green plates.

Moreover, he clarified that the PNP-HPG will not conduct apprehensions or inspections without proper grounds or evidence. “Instead, the Group will continue to perform its duty responsibly to guarantee that the use of license plates on public roads remains accurate, legal, and just.”

“The PNP-HPG continues to work closely with the DOE and the LTO to ensure accurate verification procedures and to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in promoting sustainable and environment-friendly transportation,” the group said in the statement, adding that its actions are founded on legal basis, guided by transparency, fairness, and respect for existing laws and policies.”

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