Pacquiao convoy accosted for using EDSA bus lane

MANILA, Philippines — Former senator Manny Pacquiao’s convoy has been flagged for illegally using the EDSA busway on Sunday.

Traffic enforcers accosted Pacquiao’s security detail in a black sport utility vehicle and van along Ortigas Avenue. But the convoy drove off before traffic violation tickets could be issued.

The van’s driver later returned to accept citation tickets for improper use of blinkers and disregarding traffic signs.

Pacquiao’s security escorts apologized for the incident.

“I reprimanded the driver and ordered him to return to the site, apologize and accept the traffic ticket. We do not tolerate any disregard for traffic laws,” Jojo Cagumay, head of Pacquiao’s security, said.

Pacquiao was unaware of the incident and has taken steps to reinforce their strict compliance with traffic rules, Cagumay said.

The Land Transportation Office has been asked to issue a show-cause order against the driver and owner of the black SUV, which did not have a rear license plate and conduction sticker.

3 HPG cops sacked

Meanwhile, three Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel have been relieved after escorting a van along the EDSA busway during rush hour on Feb. 7, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The HPG has no record of any Toyota Alphard van as an official vehicle. Even our director does not use it,” HPG spokesman Lt. Nadame Malang said.

HPG director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta has ordered a probe into the incident.

One of the relieved officers is being investigated for invoking the name of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil.

“The PNP chief has nothing to do with this incident. The HPG reiterates that there was no directive or statement from him regarding the operation in the busway,” Malang noted.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said Marbil never directed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority or Department of Transportation to halt traffic enforcement during rush hour.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle rider is facing charges for running over a female traffic enforcer and a bicycle rider after entering the EDSA busway last week.

The suspect underwent inquest proceedings before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.

Only city buses, emergency vehicles and convoys of the president, vice president, Senate president, speaker of the House of Representatives and the chief justice are allowed to use the EDSA bus lane.

Violators face fines of up to P30,000 and revocation of the driver’s license. — Mark Ernest Villeza, Cecille Suerte Felipe