EDSA Busway exemption sought by PNP

Last night, a Philippine National Police (PNP) convoy was flagged down by the operatives of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) for illegally using the EDSA Busway. The PNP then confirmed that the convoy was theirs, and was transporting high-ranking officials to Camp Crame for an emergency meeting.

“Yesterday there [was] an emergency and there [was] an issue that we have to resolve, so the SILG (DILG Secretary) will announce the accomplishment yesterday. We need the presence of our police higher-ups because they had a closed-door meeting and something happened in the operation last night,” said PNP Chief, Police General Rommel Marbil.

Also the PNP, through its spokesperson, Police BGen. Jean Fajardo, said that under certain circumstances, the PNP convoy is supposedly allowed in the busway.

“There is something in the guidelines that if the PNP officers are in an urgent situation and emergency in nature, they can pass through [the buslane],” said BGen. Fajardo during a press briefing.

Now, following last night’s incident where Police General Rommel Marbil was allegedly in the convoy, the PNP is reportedly seeking audience with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on possible exemptions for using the EDSA Busway.

“Pagu-usapan na baka sakali magkaroon ng leeway yong mga emergency unit na nagre-responde,” says PNP-Public Information Office’s Col. Randulf Tuaño.

(We’re [going to] discuss whether [PNP] emergency units responding might have a leeway.)

The DOTr, which is the lead government agency responsible for the creation of the EDSA Busway, has made it clear that only emergency vehicles such as ambulances transporting patients, the President, Vice President, Chief of Justice, Senate President, and House Speaker can use the busway.

Should the PNP (and other VIPs) given leeway on the usage of the EDSA Busway under the pretense of an emergency, do you think that it would encourage abuse from those in power or government positions and undermine the true purpose of this exclusive lane?

Share your thoughts in the comments section.