PNP-HPG laments cops' illegal use of EDSA busway

The Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) on Monday lamented that cops were caught using the EDSA busway and allegedly ordered traffic enforcers to halt operations.

In a statement, the PNP-HPG said that two officers were involved in the incident.

“The suggestions made by the HPG officer, as captured in a video recorded without authorization—presumably by a SAICT traffic enforcer—were intended primarily to alleviate traffic congestion during rush hour,” the PNP-HPG said.

“These statements reflect his personal views and do not represent the official stance of the HPG,” it added.

The PNP-HPG said that its officers had no intention to undermine the mandate and dictate the operations of the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT).

PNP-HPG spokesperson Police Lieutenant Nadame Malang said their director, Police Brigadier General Eleazar Matta, ordered the creation of an investigation team for the incident.

“Pinag-utos po agad ng ating director  yung pagkakabuo ng isang investigation team para tutukan itong kabuuan ng insidente para malaman po natin yung kabuuang  impormasyon,” he told reporters in an interview.

(Our director immediately ordered the formation of an investigation team to focus on the entire incident so that we can know the complete information.)

Malang said the involved HPG officers are expected to be relieved amid the investigation.

According to a report by Nico Waje on 24 Oras Weekend on Sunday, a convoy, which included a white van and another vehicle, was traveling northbound on the Ortigas section of the EDSA busway.

As they approached SAICT enforcers, they attempted to exit the lane but were pulled over.

The DOTr-SAICT incident report stated that a high-ranking PNP-HPG official was among those in the convoy. Malang denied that their director Matta was among the passengers.

In a video, a PNP-HPG member was heard requesting the enforcers to suspend operations.

“Dahil pinuputakti kayo sa social media, baka pwede nating pagbigyan muna na, sir. Nagre-request kasi si Chief PNP. Kung pwede. Wala rin kasi akong contact sa office ninyo. Request kasi ni Chief PNP na kung pwede pagbigyan na lang kasi nga nagcre-create ng kwan (traffic),” he added.

(Since you're being criticized on social media, maybe you could grant this request. Chief PNP is asking to allow this if possible. I don't have contact with your office. The Chief PNP is requesting that you allow this because it is creating traffic.)

DOTr-SAICT spokesperson Jonathan Gesmundo said that while the HPG convoy was being issued a traffic violation ticket, another vehicle with PNP markings arrived, claiming that PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil had ordered the enforcers to stop operations.

According to the PNP-HPG, the name of Marbil was "unjustly" associated with the issue.

“It is imperative to clarify that the name of PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil has been unjustly associated with this matter,” it added.

GMA News Online has sought comment from Marbil but he has yet to provide a statement as of posting time.

The PNP-HPG said the incident is “unfortunate” and “isolated,” and that it will impose stringent measures to avoid similar issues.

“We are implementing stringent measures to ensure that such occurrences do not happen again in the future. The PNP-HPG will not tolerate any actions that compromise the integrity of our institution or its leadership,” it said.

“We appreciate the public’s understanding and continued support as we diligently strive to maintain order and safety on our nation’s roads,” it added.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista clarified before that the following vehicles are authorized to use the busway:

• LTFRB-authorized buses for the EDSA busway route, including buses with special permits and/or franchises to operate on the EDSA busway route;
• on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and Philippine National Police vehicles;
• service vehicles performing their duties for the EDSA Busway Project, including but not limited to construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services within the EDSA Busway; and
• the following top officials:
  • President of the Philippines
  • Vice President of the Philippines
  • Senate President
  • Speaker of the House of Representatives
  • Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

Bautista said Friday that the government is not planning to remove the EDSA Busway, but will rather hand over its operations to a private sector operator to further improve commuter experience.

The EDSA busway, a dedicated bus lane, serves commuters from Caloocan City up to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City.

The DOTr said it has been efficient in catering to millions of commuters in Metro Manila. —Joviland Rita/KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News