Planning to Buy a Van Soon? Don't Get One in White and Here's Why

If you happen to be in the market for a van soon--be it a commuter-type for business like the Nissan NV350 Urvan or the aptly-named Toyota Hiace Commuter or for personal comfort with a touch of class like the Toyota Alphard or the recently-launched Toyota Hiace Super Grandia--may we suggest that you get it in any color other than white because apparently, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is keeping a close eye on this type of vehicle. And here's why.

The influx of Chinese nationals employed in Philippine offshore gaming operations, or POGOs as they are called, has resulted in many undocumented or overstaying illegal aliens. And with many POGOs operating within the Aseana area in Pasay City, the PNP-HPG has supposedly started to watch out for them along the Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in the vehicles they're usually transported in--and you guessed it, in white vans.

As to why this information became public, it's because the PNP-HPG stopped the wrong van: one that's owned by one of the country's prominent lawmakers.

As the story goes, the solon was traversing Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard when her van was stopped by police officers attached to the HPG. At first, it was the solon's security personnel who were dealing with the police, but when things started to take time, the solon decided to make an appearance. It was only then that the HPG officers backed off and apologized to the solon.

Once the solon was in the hallowed halls of the legislative branch of the government, the lawmaker shared the experience and was simply told "naka-Alphard ka kasi."

As narrated by the other solons who heard the story, the HPG is on the lookout for white vans along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard because this is the type of vehicle commonly used by POGOs in the area to transport their Chinese employees. And as it just so happens, the solon was using a Toyota Alphard clad in Luxury White Pearl.

So, if you're planning to buy a van soon, please do so in any color other than white--or any other way the Japanese brands would call it like 'Luxury Pearl Toning'. As for the solon, it may be time to use or buy a Toyota Land Cruiser instead?

 

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
    Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Zeekr 7X now available in PH
    Zeekr 7X now available in PH
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025