Chavit’s convoy flagged on EDSA busway

Ex-gov to reward MMDA enforcers with P100,000

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson will give P100,000 in cash reward to traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) who accosted yesterday his two-vehicle convoy for using the EDSA bus lane.

Singson said he would talk to acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes so he could give the reward to the traffic enforcers who pulled over his armored car along the northbound lane of the EDSA Carousel in Cubao, Quezon City.

“Congratulations to the MMDA enforcers who accosted my convoy. I am not angry. I will even give them cash incentive,” Singson said.

He insisted that the reward is not a bribe, saying he would pay the P5,000 fine imposed by the MMDA for his traffic infraction.

The MMDA traffic enforcers belong to the agency’s special operations group strike force led by Gabriel Go.

According to Go, Singson did not resist receiving the traffic violation ticket.

Singson apologized to the public for the incident, but maintained it was not his intention to use the exclusive lane for commuter buses on EDSA.

“I am sorry for what happened. It should not be emulated. Nag-overtake lang ‘yung driver. Hindi naman sa bus lane mismo,” he said.

The bulletproof car also has no license plates, but Singson claimed it was registered with the Land Transportation Office.

“It has no plate number, but it was already registered. The Baluarte Motor Works assembles bulletproof cars,” he said.

Singson was in the armored car when traffic enforcers stopped the convoy. — Ghio Ong, Bella Cariaso