SUVs said to belong to senator, congressman apprehended on EDSA busway

Vehicles said to be those of a senator and a congressman were among those the Metro Manila Development Authority apprehended on Thursday for using the EDSA Busway.

According to Joseph Morong's report on "24 Oras," the driver of a white SUV bearing a No. 7 license plate used by senators was given a ticket by MMDA traffic enforcers.

There was no senator in the vehicle and only the driver was in it.

An apprehended black SUV with blinkers is said to belong a member of the House of Representatives but MMDA also didn't name the owner of the car.

Its passengers also didn't identify themselves to the media.

Meanwhile, several motorists were also issued traffic violation tickets for illegal use of the busway, including a police officer who even argued with the MMDA.

MMDA said only selected government officials are allowed on the EDSA busway.

The Department of Transportation has earlier clarified that only the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are allowed to pass through the busway. This also includes on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars.

“Hindi po lahat ng marked vehicle or government vehicle ay pinapayagan po,” said MMDA Strikie Force Deputy Office-In-Charge Gabriel Go. 

(Not all marked vehicles or government vehicles are allowed.) 

There are also personalities, such as a basketball player passing through the busway. He also tried to contest with the authorities. 

"You are trying to contest your violation but you're captured on video, there's no point in contesting it. It's his prerogative kung gusto nya i-contest. Pwede syang magfile ng contest sa aming legal, sa traffic adjudication,” said Go. 

Many motorcycles were also apprehended, the report said.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the increased fines for the violation of both public and private vehicles are:

• First offense – P5,000
• Second offense – P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver's license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
• Third offense – P20,000 plus one year suspension of driver's license
• Fourth offense – P30,000 plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver's license

—Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News