Cabs With 16 Digit Plate Numbers? It’s Happening
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When we take cabs in Manila, one of our best weapons is to take down the plate number and give it to a friend or family member. That way, if something happens to you, it’s easier for your loved ones to track the cab you were on. But what if we told you that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is issuing plate numbers with 16 numbers to new cabs?
 
According to GMA reporter Steve Dailisan’s tweet, “Kaya mo bang kabisaduhin ang plaka ng taxi kung ganito karami?”
(Can you memorize a plate number this long?)
According to the cab driver Dailisan interviewed, the 16 numbers are the field case numbers of the cars, which are given to cabs whose franchise is still pending. The 16 digit plate numbers are temporary.
When asked by Dailisan if the driver memorized his plate number, he said, “Hindi ko po makabisado dahil sa sobrang haba. Pati nga mga guwardia sa mga subdivision, yun din ang rinereklamo. Hindi daw nila mai-logbook kaagad dahil marami.”
(I can’t memorize it because it’s too long. Even the guards at subdivisions complain about it. They can’t record the numbers in the logbook.)Â
LTO’s spokesperson said that this setup is only temporary
Jason Salvador, LTO’s spokesperson was given the chance to air the department’s side. According to him, the 16 digits are proof that the cab is registered. “Mahirap i-identify kasi napakahaba, pero dahil for-hire ‘to, kailangan talaga makita na duly registered ka na. But this will not last for long.”
(It’s hard to identify because it’s long, but you have to prove you’re duly registered because the cab is for hire. But this will not last for long.)
“Mas maganda kung majo-jot down nila yung mga numerong ito. Ngunit, kung nahirapan talaga sila, nandiyan naman yung mga company names, mga owners, ipagbigay-alam lang nila sa amin at agad-agad mahahanap naman namin kung sino ang may-ari.”
(It’s better if they can jot down the numbers. But if they’re having a hard time, the company names and owners are there. They can inform us, and we can instantly find out who owns the cab.)
The reporter asked some citizens on their opinion on the 16 digit plate numbers, and they were against it.
One constable said, “nakakaduling minsan,” (it makes me dizzy), while a student said, “mahirap siya” (it’s hard to memorize).
 
NCCP’s president challenged the LTO to memorize 10 digits in two seconds
The reporter also asked Elvira Medina, the president of the National Center for Commuters’ Safety and Protection (NCCP) for her thoughts, and she challenged LTO, “Magpapakita tayo sa kanya ng sampung numero, kung ma-remember niya in two seconds.”
“We’ll show him 10 numbers and let’s see if he can remember it in two seconds.”
Watch the whole video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWl_4wyYW14
What do you think of this issue? Would you feel safe if cabs had 16 digit plate numbers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Cabs With 16 Digit Plate Numbers? It’s Happening
