A convoy allegedly linked to a lawmaker was caught traveling on the EDSA busway on January 23, according to a report by Unang Balita.
The Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) reported that one SUV in the convoy displayed a seal of the House of Representatives, despite having an ordinary plate number. The driver of the vehicle was issued a traffic violation ticket.
It is unclear if the lawmaker was present in any of the vehicles in the convoy.
Rules for EDSA Busway Use
According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), only the following vehicles are authorized to use the EDSA busway:
- LTFRB-authorized buses operating on the route, including those with special permits or franchises.
- On-duty emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and Philippine National Police (PNP) vehicles.
- Service vehicles working on the EDSA Busway Project (e.g., construction, maintenance, or security vehicles).
- Vehicles transporting top government officials, including the:
- President
- Vice President
- Senate President
- Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
Penalties for Unauthorized Use
Motorists caught using the EDSA busway without proper authorization face escalating penalties:
- First offense: P5,000 fine
- Second offense: P10,000 fine, one-month suspension of the driver’s license, and a mandatory road safety seminar
- Third offense: P20,000 fine and a one-year suspension of the driver’s license
- Fourth offense: P30,000 fine and a recommendation for the driver’s license to be revoked
Authorities continue to monitor unauthorized vehicles on the EDSA busway to ensure compliance with these regulations.