MANILA — Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez has directed DOTr Undersecretary for Special Concerns Ricky Alfonso to explain his involvement in the use of an unauthorized vehicle carrying protocol plate number “10.”

While Alfonso’s position as undersecretary allows him to use a protocol plate number “10,” similar to justices, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) found that the Lexus SUV he was riding was not the registered vehicle authorized to use the plate.

Authorities also noted that the SUV was equipped with prohibited blinkers.

Photos and videos circulating on social media showed the vehicle and Alfonso intervening in a roadside altercation between his driver and another motorist along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City.

Following the incident, the driver’s license was suspended for 90 days, and he has also been dismissed from employment, the DOTr said.

In a show cause order, the LTO summoned both the driver and the vehicle owner to explain why they should not face administrative charges and possible cancellation of their licenses.

The incident occurred after the SUV reportedly had a traffic altercation with another motorist in the area.