Chiz opens up on Edsa bus lane breach, says sorry

Senator Francis Escudero apologizes after MMDA enforcers catch his SUV using the Edsa bus lane.| FILE PHOTO: Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB

MANILA, Philippines—Senator Francis Escudero apologized on Friday (April 12) for what he said was “unauthorized” use of the protocol license plate No. 7 assigned to him by a luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) caught illegally using the Edsa bus lane.

The incident was reported on Thursday (April 11).

“The use of the protocol plate was unauthorized, as the vehicle was being driven by the driver of a family member,” Escudero said in a statement.

He did not identify who the driver or the family member was.

“The No. 7 protocol plate was also abused because vehicles with these plates are not allowed to use bus lanes,” he said.

The senator said he had already directed the driver to appear before the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and face the charges against him.

Escudero said he would also surrender to the LTO the protocol plate involved in the incident, which he said he does not personally use anyway.

“I apologize to the public and my colleagues in the Senate for this oversight,” he said.

“Moving forward, I commit to ensure that the protocol plates entrusted to me are used appropriately, consistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 56, s. 2024,” the senator added.

The EO outlines the rules for using protocol plates and which government officials are allowed to use these.

Escudero also commended authorities “for their vigilance” as he reiterated his support for government efforts “to ensure that traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila are observed by all—regardless of rank, title or position.”

The Edsa bus lane is currently limited to public utility buses, emergency vehicles, marked government vehicles, and vehicles of select ranking officials.

Those allowed on the Edsa busway are convoys of the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Convoy of President, other top gov’t officials allowed to use Edsa busway.