‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ | PNP vows investigation into EDSA bus lane incident involving police mobile

December 29, 2023 , 11:55 AM

(December 29, 2023) – Amid an investigation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it relieved the officer driving the police mobile that caused an accident when it suddenly entered the EDSA bus lane last Wednesday.

A dashcam footage released by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) showed that a bus was driving straight before hitting the railings when it avoided the police car that suddenly drove into the EDSA bus lane. Media reports said at least five passengers of the bus were injured.

The incident occurred on the southbound side near the Santolan station of the Metro Rail Transit.

“The PNP emphasizes its zero-tolerance policy towards personnel misconduct,” read the statement. “We place utmost importance on strict adherence to traffic rules and regulations, as well as the responsible utilization of government-issued vehicles.”

An ordinance violation receipt for reckless driving has also been issued against the police officer, who was not identified in the statement. The PNP also promised that it is conducting a deep investigation into the issue.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded those who are driving government vehicles authorized to use the EDSA bus lane to be careful and ensure that no bus is arriving before entering.

“Dapat mag-ingat sa pagmamaneho sa lahat ng oras at huwag magpatakbo ng mabilis para maiwasan ang aksidente,” said the MMDA.

Last September, the MMDA said a bus hit an ambulance when the latter merged into the EDSA bus lane. No patient was on board but the driver was left injured because of the collision.

Aside from buses, select vehicles are also allowed to ply the exclusive lane, particularly ambulances, fire trucks, police mobiles, and service vehicles for the EDSA Busway Project. The president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker, and chief justice are also allowed.

It was only last month that the country’s top five officials were allowed to use the EDSA bus lane following the approval issued by the DOTr to the MMDA.

However, netizens have repeatedly questioned if the rules on the use of the EDSA bus lane are being strictly implemented since some private vehicles continue to use it.

Last week, a netizen shared a video of a private vehicle, purported to be of a VIP, that was sandwiched by buses on the northbound side in the Guadalupe area.

Records from the MMDA showed that there were over 11,000 motorists who used the exclusive lane, as of October. It prompted the agency to issue stiffer fines against erring motorists.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, a first-time offender would pay P5,000, while a second-time offender would pay P10,000 on top of a one-month suspension of driver’s license and a requirement of attending a road safety seminar.

A third offense has a penalty of P20,000 and a one-year suspension of driver’s license while a fourth offense carries a P30,000 penalty and a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office for the revocation of driver’s license.

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