DOTr exec gets free pass on EDSA busway

MANILA, Philippines — An assistant secretary of the Department of Transportation reportedly got away with using the EDSA bus lane as the DOTr official was not issued a traffic violation ticket by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

According to a report on dzBB yesterday, the unnamed DOTr official’s white sport utility vehicle was pulled over for using the EDSA busway.

Aside from using the EDSA Carousel, which is exclusive for public utility buses, the DOTr assistant secretary also violated the number coding scheme.

It was not mentioned in the report when the incident took place.

The DOTr official’s car was reportedly pulled over by personnel of the MMDA and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group.

The official, however, was given a traffic violation ticket only for violating the number coding scheme, which carries a fine of P500.

The DOTr assistant secretary was not given a traffic violation ticket carrying a fine of P5,000 for the unauthorized use of the EDSA busway.

The official reportedly presented a DOTr exemption pass.

A representative from the DOTr reportedly said that the assistant secretary used an accredited vehicle with a sticker that would allow the use of the EDSA busway.

Based on the DOTr’s own rules, however, only the following vehicles are authorized to use the EDSA bus lane: public utility buses, on-duty ambulances, fire trucks and service vehicles performing duties for the busway.

Among government officials, only vehicles of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chief Justice are allowed to use the EDSA Carousel.