Gatchalian ‘not involved’ in SUV-Edsa Busway fuss – senator’s office

FILE PHOTO: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. –  The office of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian distanced itself from the controversy involving the Cadillac Escalade bearing a “fake” protocol plate 7 that passed through the Edsa Busway, stressing the lawmaker does not own the car. Gatchalian’s office released a statement Friday, November 8, 2024, emphasizing that the vehicle is registered under Orient Pacific Corporation. Photo from the Senate Social Media Unit

MANILA, Philippines — The office of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian distanced itself from the controversy involving the Cadillac Escalade bearing a “fake” protocol plate 7 that passed through the Edsa Busway, stressing the lawmaker does not own the car.

Gatchalian’s office released a statement Friday, emphasizing that the vehicle is registered under Orient Pacific Corporation.

“[He] was not involved in the incident at the Edsa busway in Guadalupe and was not inside the vehicle when it occurred,” Gatchalian’s office said.

“The senator does not own the fake protocol plate of the said sports utility vehicle. Furthermore, Sen. Gatchalian has no connection to Orient Pacific Corporation whatsoever,” it added.

The controversial incident involved a driver and a VIP passenger of the Cadillac Escalade with an attached “7” license plate.

The driver of the SUV allegedly tried to run over a lady traffic enforcer when accosted along the Edsa Busway at Guadalupe, Makati City.

The senator, for his part, made it clear that he never lent his official issued license plates to anyone. 

“The official license plate is installed on my car [and] is duly registered with the LTO,” he told reporters in a Viber message. 

READ: Gatchalian on SUV traffic violation issue: Leave it to the LTO

In a separate statement issued Thursday evening, Gatchlian said he does not condone the traffic violations committed by the management of Orient Pacific Corporation.

“As a public servant for 23 years, I have always adhered to following the rules and the laws of our land. The issue is now with the Land Transportation Office, and it is the agency’s responsibility to resolve the matter accordingly,” he said.

Sen. Raffy Tulfo earlier said that the VIP passenger aboard the vehicle is linked to a senator, citing information he obtained.

When asked to confirm whether the vehicle was listed under the names of William and Kenneth Gatchalian — father and brother of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian,  Tulfo simply said the tip he got appeared to match circulating reports.