TV news crew covering Aquino cited for traffic violation

A television news crew covering President Aquino and following his convoy was cited for a traffic violation Friday when its driver countered traffic flow on its way out of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

MANILA, Philippines–A television news crew covering President Aquino and following his convoy was cited for a traffic violation Friday when its driver countered traffic flow on its way out of the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

President Aquino’s vehicle, his security escorts and other media vehicles have stopped on a red light at the intersection of Vito Cruz Avenue and Roxas Boulevard when the TV5 news crew moved to the other side of the center island to avoid the congestion.

“I was told a few minutes ago. From what I understand, they went to counter flow. You may have seen the streamers, ‘The law applies to all or to none at all,’ of (Manila) Mayor (Alfredo) Lim,” President Aquino told reporters when asked about the incident.

President Aquino clarified earlier reports that he saw the media vehicle at the other side of the island and ordered motorcycle policemen to cite the driver for the traffic violation.

“I was concentrating on studying for the Cabinet meeting (on Friday) afternoon to tackle, I think, about 23 measures that we will be designating as priority. Perhaps, directly addressing the traffic is no longer my job,” the President said.

Mr. Aquino, his escorts and the media just came from the SMX Convention Center and were on their way back to Malacanang when the traffic violation happened.

Witnesses said the crew’s red pick-up was almost side by side with President Aquino’s SUV when it went on the other side of the street’s center island.

The driver was flagged down by motorcycle cops and was told to stop after the light turned green and the pickup has already turned left towards the Rizal Park on Roxas Boulevard. A traffic enforcer of the Metro Manila Development Authority then wrote the driver the traffic violation receipt.

The President’s motorcycle escorts are said to have standing orders to accost vehicles that go counterflow. “Wala daw dapat santuhin (no one should be spared),” was supposed to be the President’s order.

President Aquino’s inaugural speech mentioned his distaste for the use of blinkers and sirens by government officials and their going against the flow of traffic to avoid vehicle volume.

It has since become his policy to forego the use of blinkers and sirens and going against traffic flow. His convoy also stops on red light signals at intersections despite the practice’s security implications.

President Aquino during his second state of the nation address in late July branded as “utak wang-wang” those that took advantage of their being government by committing irregularities to enrich themselves financially.

TV5 has released a statement saying it will investigate the matter.

“We are investigating the incident involving the News5 vehicle,” the network said on its interaksiyon.com website.

“Rest assured that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any and all erring employees. TV5 does not condone such acts,” it added.