VIP Entitlement, Kleptocracy Ignite Road Fury

A screengrab photo shows Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso standing next to a Lexus LX570 SUV, which has a protocol license plate number 10.

VIP Entitlement, Kleptocracy Ignite Road Fury

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.Com | October 14, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A road rage incident caught on camera involving a driver of a high-ranking Transportation official has exploded into a national scandal, exposing deep-seated issues of VIP entitlement and alleged kleptocratic practices within the government.

The incident, aggravated by the official’s apparent attempts to evade accountability, has sparked widespread outrage and demands for how public servants should be held responsible.

The controversy centers on Transportation Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso, whose driver reportedly punched and slapped a 23-year-old multicab driver following a traffic altercation.

The video, which quickly went viral, has ignited public anger over what many perceive as blatant arrogance and abuse of power by some government officials.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) swiftly launched an investigation, summoning Alfonso and recommending the revocation of his driver’s license, as well as the impounding of his vehicle.

However, upon surrendering his Lexus SUV LX570, authorities found that the protocol license plate (Number 10) and blinkers – prominently displayed during the incident – had been removed, raising suspicions of a deliberate cover-up of the incident.

“It appears they were trying to pull a fast one,” said a visibly frustrated LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao.

“This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. The installation was clearly intentional,” he added.

The investigation has widened to examine the questionable circumstances behind Alfonso’s possession of the No. 10 plate, typically reserved for judges of the Court of Appeals and the Solicitor General.

Further complicating matters, records indicate Alfonso is not the registered owner of the vehicle.

“While our direct authority is limited to the vehicle and the driver, Mr. Alfonso needs to explain his involvement,” Lacanilao stressed as he highlighted the interconnected nature of the alleged violations.

Outrage Over Chilling Statement

A separate video has surfaced, capturing a passenger in Alfonso’s SUV declaring, “We’re driving for a VIP… What if we shot him? What you did was dangerous.”

The chilling statement has been widely condemned as a blatant display of entitlement and a perceived threat to the public, further fueling outrage.

In response to the escalating crisis, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that Alfonso has taken an indefinite leave of absence pending investigation.

Lopez also moved to address the broader issue of VIP privileges within his department.

“The use of protocol plates, sirens, or blinkers is often abused by some in the government,” Lopez said.

“Under my leadership, the DOTr family does not recognize VIP treatment. We will not tolerate any government official acting like an entitled VIP and abusing their position.”

He ordered the immediate revocation of all protocol or low-numbered license plates issued to DOTr officials and its attached agencies.

Public Demands End to VIP Perks, Crackdown on Kleptocracy

The incident has reignited a long-standing debate over the use of police escorts and other VIP privileges by government officials.

Critics argue these practices exacerbate traffic congestion, foster a culture of impunity, and create a stark divide between the privileged elite and ordinary citizens.

They insist public servants should prioritize addressing systemic issues, such as traffic congestion, for all citizens, rather than exploiting their positions for personal gain.

“It’s time to end this era of VIP entitlement and hold kleptocrats accountable,” said John, a TNVS driver.

“Public servants must be held to the highest standards of accountability and should not be allowed to use their positions for personal gain.”

As the LTO investigation continues, the public awaits its findings, demanding transparency and swift justice for those involved in the alleged abuse of power.

The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of ethical conduct, transparency, and equal treatment under the law – principles essential for restoring public trust in government and combating the deeply entrenched issue of kleptocracy in the Philippines.