SAICT lauded for recognizing emergency as laboring mom brought to hospital

Last month, the Philippine National Police (PNP) faced public criticism after its convoy, reportedly carrying the PNP chief, violated the EDSA Busway rules. The PNP defended its actions, arguing that under certain circumstances, its “emergency meeting” warranted the use of the busway.

Critics argued that the PNP’s actions were unacceptable because uniformed personnel should uphold the law, not break it, and that the busway incident appeared to be an abuse of the PNP’s power.

The public praised the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) operatives as they held firm, enforcing the EDSA Busway rules and issuing citation tickets to the PNP personnel involved in that busway incident.

Now, the public is once again commending the SAICT, this time, for acknowledging a legitimate emergency and facilitating a couple’s timely arrival at the hospital for childbirth.

Last week, on March 20th, a couple faced the challenge of EDSA traffic while en route to the hospital. With his wife in labor and no other option, the husband, who was driving, used the busway to bypass the congestion, aiming to reach the hospital in time for safe delivery.

“An SOG operative confirmed the emergency after observing the woman’s condition: she was clearly pregnant, sweating heavily, and appeared ready to deliver. Instead of issuing a citation, the team facilitated the couple’s safe passage to the nearest hospital,” said SAICT on its social media page.

Later, the husband thanked the SAICT, and posted a picture of their newborn child. “Maraming salamat po sa inyo safe na po si baby at asawa ko umabot kami sa hospital dahil sa inyo maraming salamat Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) saludo po ako sa inyo sana madami pa kayo matulungan.”

(Thank you very much. My baby and wife are safe, we made it to the hospital because of you. Thank you very much, Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT), I salute you. I hope you can help many more people.)

As part of a larger enforcement effort, the Special Operations Group (SOG) issued 48 Temporary Operators Permits (TOPs) and recorded 55 violations, including a significant number of motorcycles and private vehicles disregarding traffic rules, lacking registration, and driving recklessly. The DOTr-SAICT reiterated its dedication to road safety and assisting commuters, particularly during legitimate emergencies, while continuing its regular enforcement activities.