second letter The second letter on the number plate classifies whether the vehicle is a wheeled trailer or an automobile. It is also used to classify whether the vehicle is private or public use. Letter U in the second letter represents a privately-used trailer, while Z represents a publicly-used trailer. Letters V, W, X and Y were used to indicate public utility vehicles Vehicle classification by paint scheme Green on White: The most common type of registration plate, for privately owned vehicles. White background replaced by Jose Rizal Monument in 2003 for automobiles. Black on Yellow: Commercial vehicle or public utility vehicles Red on White: Government-owned vehicles. Color white replaced by Jose Rizal Monument in 2009 for automobiles. Blue on White: Vehicles in Diplomatic Use and Other Exempted Vehicles. Color white replaced by Jose Rizal Monument placed in left side in 2009 for automobiles. Inscriptions PILIPINAS ("Philippines", the most common inscription, in production 1981–1995, 2001–2003 for private and government vehicles, 2001–2014 for commercial and public utility vehicles) PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995–2000) ANGAT PINOY 2004 ("Rising Filipino 2004", in production 2000–2001) PILIPINAS - PERLAS NG SILANGAN ("Pearl of the Orient", in production 2002–2003) MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA ("Strong Republic", in production 2003 – April 12, 2014, for private, tourist and government vehicles) MC (used for private motorcycles, placed in top left) TC (used for motorcycles and tricycles in public use or for-hire, placed in top left) See also Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, a road space rationing program used in Metro Manila and other urban areas based on the last digit of the vehicle's license plate. References Philippines Transportation in the Philippines Philippines transportation-related lists Registration plates