Derek Ramsay’s Porsche Was Spotted With a Different Plate—Now the LTO Is Considering a Much Bigger Penalty

MANILA, Philippines — Actor-businessman Derek Ramsay and his friend Anthony Jude Violago could face suspension or even revocation of their driver’s licenses as the Land Transportation Office intensifies its investigation into an allegedly unauthorized license plate fitted to a Porsche 918 Spyder linked to Ramsay.

The controversy began after LTO personnel spotted images of the ultra-rare supercar on social media carrying a plate number that allegedly did not match the vehicle’s officially registered plate. The agency later verified that the alphanumeric combination displayed on the Porsche differed from the plate assigned to it in government records.

According to the LTO, the vehicle was connected to Ramsay, while Violago was identified as the person who allegedly placed a plate displaying the initials “AJV.” Bombo Radyo reported that the Porsche remained registered under Ramsay’s name, while GMA News reported that Ramsay had already sold the vehicle to Violago. The differing descriptions underscore why the LTO is also examining the car’s ownership and registration documents as part of the investigation.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said using a different plate is considered a serious matter because a vehicle’s plate is part of its legal identity.

The agency said the unauthorized plate was allegedly used while the Porsche was being driven to an event. According to GMA News, Lacanilao said investigators were told the replacement plate was apparently used for display purposes connected with the event.

Porsche Surrendered to LTO

The Porsche has since been voluntarily surrendered and is now being held at the LTO headquarters while investigators determine whether additional violations were committed. Violago also surrendered his driver’s license.

GMA News reported that Violago’s license has already been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while the case is being investigated. That is different from a final suspension or revocation, which will depend on the eventual decision of the LTO Intelligence Division.

Ramsay and Violago were originally directed to appear before the LTO Intelligence Division on August 24, but GMA reported that they went to the agency ahead of schedule on August 17 when the vehicle was surrendered.

The LTO said both men were apologetic during their appearance. Lacanilao said Ramsay explained that he had been abroad and that there had been an internal arrangement between him and Violago regarding the vehicle. The LTO chief also said the two acknowledged that a mistake had been made.

Ramsay Earlier Denied Driving Cars With Fake Plates

Before the vehicle was surrendered, Ramsay publicly addressed the controversy.

He maintained that he does not drive vehicles carrying fake plates and said his vehicles have proper registration. He also said he was prepared to cooperate with authorities if formally required to explain the circumstances surrounding the Porsche. ABS-CBN News and Inquirer separately reported his statement and willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

The statement did not stop the LTO investigation, however, because authorities are examining not only who physically drove the Porsche but also its registration, ownership records and the circumstances surrounding the unauthorized plate.

What Penalties Could They Face?

The LTO said improper attachment of an authorized motor vehicle license plate carries a ₱5,000 fine.

But the potential consequences do not necessarily end with the fine.

Both Ramsay and Violago were ordered to explain why their licenses should not be suspended or revoked on the ground that they may be considered improper persons to operate a motor vehicle. The Philippine Star and DZRH reported that the LTO’s show-cause order specifically required them to submit an explanation regarding the disputed plate and possible sanctions against their driving privileges.

The Porsche was also placed under alarm status, and the LTO ordered its Law Enforcement Service to secure the vehicle while the case is pending.

Lacanilao stressed that celebrity status or the value of a vehicle does not exempt anyone from transportation regulations.

For now, the investigation remains unresolved. The biggest question is no longer simply why an “AJV” plate appeared on one of the world’s rarest supercars — but whether the explanation given to investigators will be enough to prevent much heavier penalties.