Major Raid Targets Right-Hand Drive Vehicles
Personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), supported by agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), confiscated more than 65 right-hand drive motor vehicles during a raid on an autoparts supply store in Talisay City, Cebu, on Monday, June 9. The LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, revealed that a female Peruvian suspect is now in custody for her suspected involvement in importing these right-hand drive vehicles and their illegal assembly and sale within the country.
According to sources, the right-hand drive vehicles were first imported and then assembled locally before being sold to buyers. This operation marks part of the LTO’s continued crackdown on the illegal importation and sale of these banned vehicles.
Ongoing Crackdown on Right-Hand Drive Vehicles
Following a recent bust in Quezon City last month, where another store dealing in right-hand drive vehicles was uncovered, the LTO also conducted raids on three additional auto shops in Davao. These raids resulted in the seizure of more than 40 such vehicles.
“These stores appear to be connected,” Mendoza said. “That is why Special Envoy on Transnational Crime Ambassador Markus Lacanilao joined us to ensure a thorough investigation, especially since reports suggest a foreign national is involved.”
Investigations Expand to Mindanao LTO Office
Mendoza also ordered a probe into an LTO office in Mindanao suspected of facilitating the registration of illegally assembled right-hand drive vehicles. Under Republic Act 8506, the importation, registration, use, or operation of vehicles with steering wheels on the right side is strictly prohibited on any public or private roads nationwide.
The law clearly states, “It shall be unlawful for any person to import, cause the importation of, register, cause the registration of, use, or operate any vehicle with its steering wheel right-hand side thereof in any highway, street or road, whether private or public or of the national or local government.” The presence of right-hand drive vehicles in the country violates this statute since they should not have been imported at all.
Authorities remain vigilant in dismantling these illegal networks to protect Filipino motorists and enforce existing laws.
For more news and updates on right-hand drive vehicles, visit Filipinokami.com.