In a move that caught both motorists and car collectors off guard, the Land Transportation Office staged a weekend sweep that ended with nearly 30 luxury vehicles being hauled into its East Avenue compound. The operation focused on spotting cars running without proper registration, and many of the drivers behind the wheel were found without a valid license.

Officials walked the media through the line of impounded units now parked inside the LTO facility.

Several standout models were immediately recognizable, from Ford Mustangs and Mercedes-Benz sedans to BMW coupes, Lexus crossovers, Toyota Supras, and at least one Porsche. All were flagged for issues ranging from expired registration to missing ownership documents.

The LTO said around a third of the motorists apprehended during the sweep failed to present a driver’s license. Investigators are now looking into the paperwork of some units to confirm if they entered the country legally.

This comes at a time when authorities are also probing alleged networks tied to illegal car imports following recent smuggling cases involving high-end vehicles.

Though the agency did not publish a full list of the seized vehicles, the impounded lineup has fueled discussions across car forums and social media. Enthusiasts are now wondering how the crackdown could affect the local resale market and the grey-import scene, which has long supplied niche and premium models to Filipino buyers.

For now, the LTO is emphasizing that the effort is part of a larger push for compliance. Motorists are urged to ensure that both their vehicles and licenses are updated, as the agency hinted that similar operations will continue in the coming weeks.

ACMobility has added another key link to its expanding EV charging network, opening a new charging station in Lucena City. The hub sits inside PTT Lucena, right across the Lucena City Government Complex, and now serves as a vital midpoint for anyone driving an electric vehicle toward South Luzon or all the way to Bicol.

For a long time, EV owners heading south faced long stretches without charging options. The Manila to Bicol trip covers roughly 450 to 500 kilometers, making it hard for many to attempt the route. The Lucena site now acts as the missing stop where motorists can top up, rest, and continue their journey with fewer worries.

Travelers also get nearby amenities. The location is surrounded by restaurants and convenience stops, turning the charging pause into a comfortable break instead of a stressful wait.

The station carries modern charging equipment: a 120 kW DC fast charger with two charging points for quick top-ups, and a 22 kW AC charger for regular charging. ACMobility will also add two more AC chargers soon at Giant Lucena along Evo Tourism Road to serve more residents and visitors. All chargers work with the Evro app, which lets users locate sites, check availability, start charging, and pay through their phones.

ACMobility designed the site to support future transport needs as well. It can handle private EVs, e-jeepneys, fleet units, and LGU-led mobility projects as electrified public transport grows nationwide.

Its location near the New Lucena City Hall also helps the LGU push cleaner mobility programs. The local government is studying more LGU-owned sites where charging stations can be installed to make EV access even easier across the city.

“We are building up Lucena City as a gateway location for wider interregional mobility in the country,” Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala said. “With this new charging infrastructure at the heart of Lucena, we are enabling more EV owners to travel confidently from South Luzon all the way to Bicol.”

The Lucena EVCS now stands as part of ACMobility’s Philippine EV Spine, the country’s largest charging network that links major transport corridors and cities across the nation. “Every new station means more freedom for EV drivers to go farther and explore more,” said Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure at ACMobility. She added that the goal is to give EV users the confidence to travel anywhere with reliable charging along the way.

Filipino talent shone on the global stage as Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) earned two gold medals and one silver at the 8th Global Monozukuri Skill Competition held last October 26, 2025 in Okazaki, Japan.

The annual event gathered top manufacturing specialists from Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with the Philippines sending a nine-member delegation to compete across seven technical categories. By the end of the competition, three Filipinos emerged at the top: Nelson Ojoy claimed gold in Forklift Pallet Handling, Sherwin Recaido secured another gold in Metal Repair and Hand Skill Finishing, and Mark Bagnes took home silver for CO2 Arc Welding.

MMPC President and CEO Ritsu Imaeda praised the strong showing, saying the results highlight the discipline and ability of Filipino workers. He added that the win also reflects the country’s growing strength as a manufacturing base, especially within the automotive sector.

Team members trained intensely months ahead of the contest. Since August, they spent long hours at the MMPC plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, preparing under the Manufacturing Monozukuri Training Section. Their sessions mirrored the strict demands of the global competition, with emphasis on accuracy, speed, and the craftsmanship central to the Monozukuri philosophy.

Production Strategy Manager Sergio Castro Jr. said the recognition honors not only the three medalists but also the colleagues and mentors behind them. He noted that the results reinforce the dedication of MMPC’s workforce, who apply the same level of skill and focus to every vehicle built in the country.

With the team’s strong performance, MMPC strengthens confidence in Filipino craftsmanship and further establishes the Philippines as a competitive player in global manufacturing.