Palace warns vs. 'abusive' use of EDSA busway

Malacañang warned Thursday against ''abusing'' the use of the EDSA busway days after Philippine National Police (PNP) Police General Rommel Marbil said some senior police officials had an emergency closed door meeting which prompted the use of the said lane.

At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro was asked about the recent issue on the EDSA busway. She said the ''emergency'' use of this lane should not be abused.

''Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, mayroon naman pong probisyon dito na kapag po in case of emergency and on duty, allowed naman po silang gumamit ng busway, EDSA Busway. Pero dapat lamang po, ito ay mapatunayan. Hindi po ‘to maaaring maabuso at gagamitin lang po iyong salitang 'emergency,''' Castro said.

(If I'm not mistaken, there's a provision that in any case of emergency and if on duty, they are allowed to use the EDSA busway. However, this should be proven. This shouldn't be abused and just used the word 'emergency.')

''So, bago po sila gumamit ng busway, siguraduhin lamang po nila na hindi nila aabusuhin iyong ibinigay sa kanilang karapatan na gumamit ng busway dahil gamit lamang ang salitang 'emergency,''' she added.

(So, before they use the busway, they should ensure that they will not abuse the right given to them.)

Asked if emergency meetings are included, Castro said police should leave their residences early if they have one.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said he would ask Marbil to explain the issue as regards the use of EDSA busway.

Marbil refused to confirm if the involved convoy was his due to security concerns because the plate numbers of the vehicles were shared to the public.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo already defended the convoy that used the EDSA busway, saying they are allowed in emergency cases. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News