Manila, July 17 -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday warned motorists against using fake plates due to the intensified crackdown against illegal manufacturers and sellers of fake plates.

In a statement, LTO acting Assistant Secretary Greg Pua Jr. said there is no more reason to use fake plates since the backlog on vehicle plates has been wiped out.

"Lahat may plaka na (All plates have been made), and right now, we are focusing on the immediate distribution of these plates to their owners. In fact, we have already downloaded millions of license plates down to the regional level for distribution," Pua said.

The intensified operation against illegal plates, he said, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s order ...