DOTr on Isabel Lopez's violation of ASEAN lane regulation: 'No one is above the law'

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) backs the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to recommend the suspension of Maria Isabel Lopez's driver's license for entering and driving on the ASEAN lane along EDSA.

READ: Viral: Actor Maria Isabel Lopez posts about removing dividing cones and driving on ASEAN delegate lane

In a statement, DOTr Secretary Tugade said he "fervently believes that no one is above the law, and that all violators should be held accountable for their actions."

DOTr said that Lopez's indifference to the law implemented by the government agencies concerned in traffic and transportation for the country's hosting of the ASEAN Summit puts the safety of the delegates at risk.

"Ms. Lopez's actions, which she even posted on social media, does not only show a blatant disregard of traffic rules and regulations, but also puts at risk the Summit delegates and other persons who might replicate her actions," the press release said.

The Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1982 titleholder shared a video of herself on Facebook and Instagram driving through the ASEAN lane after removing the divider cones which separates the lane designated for the delegates.

"Driving with hazards 'on' at the #aseanlane. I removed the divider cones!! Then all the other motorists behind me followed! MMDA thinks I’m an official ASEAN delegate! If you can't beat ‘em, join them! #nosticker #leadership," Lopez wrote in the caption of her Facebook post.

In an earlier post on Facebook, Lopez apologized for her actions.

"Don't miss 24 Oras at 6:30PM tonight so you will see the whole picture on when, how and why I did it. Sorry to those who got hurt and affected," she said. — LA, GMA News