Senator Escudero Apologizes for EDSA Busway Violation
April 12, 2024 - Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero issued a public apology on Friday after his vehicle, bearing a protocol plate for senators, was apprehended for using the EDSA Busway on April 11, 2024.
Escudero clarified that he does not personally use the protocol license plates issued to him. The vehicle was being driven by a family member’s driver when it was caught violating the bus lane rules on EDSA.
“I apologize to the public and my colleagues in the Senate for this oversight,” Escudero said in a statement. He added that the protocol plates involved in the incident will be surrendered to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Following the incident, Escudero has directed the driver to appear before the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to comply with the show-cause order issued to him and to answer the charges he faces for the violation.
In light of the incident, Escudero committed to ensuring that the protocol plates entrusted to him are used appropriately, consistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 56, s. 2024. This order, issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., regulates the issuance of protocol plates to government officials.
On the morning of April 11, traffic authorities apprehended vehicles with “7” and “8” protocol license plates for using the EDSA busway. However, the violators, including the car with the “7” protocol plate, fled after they were caught.
Escudero did not provide further details as to whether he was inside the car when it was apprehended. The incident is currently under investigation.