Members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) apprehend motorists using the exclusive bus lane on Edsa-Main Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City on June 25, 2020. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — Two ambulances were flagged twice for using the exclusive Edsa bus lane without a dispatch order or a patient on board. Their reason for the rush? To attend a mall event.
The vehicles were even using sirens and emergency blinkers, according to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT).
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“Nauna nang nahuli ang dalawang nakilalang ambulansya na walang naipakitang dispatch order at walang sakay na pasyente habang naka-wangwang at emergency blinker na dumaan sa Edsa busway sa dahilan na may hinahabol na event sa isang mall sa Pasay,” said SAICT in a statement on Friday, the same day the apprehension happened.
(Earlier, two identified ambulances were caught without presenting a dispatch order and without carrying any patients while using sirens and emergency blinkers as they passed through the Edsa busway, claiming they were rushing to an event at a mall in Pasay.)
After being stopped and issued traffic citations, the two ambulances re-entered the bus lane and turned their sirens and emergency blinkers on again.
The SAICT said that the drivers seemed to be in a hurry to escape.
A show cause order from the Land Transportation Office will be issued against the drivers.
“Sa kabuuan operasyon sa Edsa busway, umabot sa mahigit 35 ang naissuehan ng Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) na may 40 traffic violations, kabilang ang 36 disregarding traffic sign, 1 unregistered, 1 expired driver’s license at 2 reckless,” SAICT also said.
(In the entire operation on the Edsa busway, more than 35 Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOP) were issued for 40 traffic violations, including 36 for disregarding traffic signs, 1 unregistered vehicle, 1 expired driver’s license, and 2 for reckless driving.)
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The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority earlier said that only buses and responding emergency vehicles can use the exclusive bus lane.
Vehicles of the following top-ranking officials are also permitted to use the Edsa busway:
- President of the Philippines
- Vice President of the Philippines
- Senate President
- Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court