Another politician flexing his privilege on the road? Authorities on Thursday flagged down a black sports utility vehicle with a protocol plate “7” assigned to senators for using the exclusive EDSA Busway in Mandaluyong City.
However, the SUV sped away after the driver handed over a license to a member of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) who apprehended the vehicle.
The presence of a senator on board was not confirmed by members of the media who were present during the operation.
In addition to the SUV, the SAICT also apprehended four cars with a “Pulisya” marking, which were discovered not responding to an emergency or a legitimate police operation.
The SAICT team has been deployed to assist the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in apprehending motorists using the exclusivebus lane along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and to help regulate traffic in other parts of the metropolis.
The Department of Transportation reminds motorists that onlyauthorized buses with a permit from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board are allowed to pass through the EDSA busway.
Authorized vehicles such as service vehicles that assist in the busway project, construction, security, janitorial, maintenance, and people who will do or repair the busway are also permitted. . Joel Zurbano
Legitimate ambulances with patients on board, firetrucks, and police vehicles going to their urgent operations are also allowed to pass through the EDSA busway.
The bus lane can also be used by the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Supreme Court Chief Justice to assist in the performance of their duties.