Consistent with the Court’s previous directive prohibiting the production and sale of unauthorized items bearing the Supreme Court seal, the High Court has issued another resolution, this time banning the display of the Supreme Court seal on non-official court vehicles.
In its Resolution in A.M. 22-05-05-SC dated July 5, 2022, the Supreme Court En Banc, enjoined privately-owned vehicles and non- official Court vehicles from displaying license plates, car stickers, and similar items that bear the Supreme Court seal or any indication of connection with the Judiciary, without authorization from the Court. The prohibition also covers courtesy and security plates of former officials no longer connected with the Court.
The Court warned that violators may be held liable for indirect contempt of Court as well as prosecuted criminally and/or administratively.
In addition, the Court ordered the revocation of previously-issued authorizations for said displays. New authorizations must be issued in their place, which will require license plates to have clearly visible tamper- proof registration numbers. Any fading or illegibility shall result in the automatic invalidation of such license plates.
The Court has also directed the Office of the Court Administrator to issue a circular on the matter for lower courts.
The Resolution took effect immediately following its publication in two newspapers of general circulation on July 24, 2022. FULL TEXT of A.M. No. 22-05-05-SC at https://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/28860/