LTO flags MMDA vehicle over EDSA busway use

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office is investigating the use of the EDSA busway by a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority patrol car, LTO chief Markus Lacanilao announced yesterday.

Aside from the violation, Lacanilao said the patrol car was using a red plate that was registered to an MMDA truck.

“They need to bring the car to the LTO for investigation. Who is the driver and why did the MMDA replace the plate with that of another vehicle? It’s obvious that there’s a violation,” Lacanilao said, adding that the driver would need to explain why he used the busway.

It was not clear if the LTO was referring to an incident last Sunday, but MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III confirmed using the busway on Aug. 23.

Torre also confirmed in a social media post that he uses the patrol car when he is on duty.

“I saw this video posted by Camote Club PH. Yes, that is an official MMDA patrol vehicle that I use, and I was on official duty at that time,” Torre said.

He did not confirm if he was the driver of the car when the incident was recorded.

Torre said he used the busway on Aug. 23 to check the traffic status of roadworks along the EDSA-Guadalupe Bridge and to respond to a stalled car, adding that making an immediate response to traffic situation “brings the government closer to the people.”

But Lacanilao said government vehicles are not above traffic laws.

“Using the EDSA busway and the mismatch between the license plate and the vehicle registered under it are matters that need to be explained, and those responsible will be held accountable if violations are found,” he added.

In the show-cause order, the driver was required to explain why he should not be held liable for disregarding traffic signs, use of number plates, imitation and false representation and for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.