MANILA, Philippines — A high-ranking official of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) has been relieved of his post following a controversial incident where an ambulance was flagged down and delayed along the EDSA Busway.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced the dismissal of the official—identified as a field commander—after a video of the encounter went viral, sparking public outrage over the lack of priority given to emergency vehicles.
The Incident
The controversy began on February 17, 2026, when an ambulance carrying a patient in critical condition was stopped by SAICT marshals for using the dedicated EDSA Busway. While the lane is strictly for buses and authorized government vehicles, emergency vehicles like ambulances are traditionally and legally granted access during urgent missions.
Witnesses and video footage showed the official engaging in a lengthy argument with the ambulance driver, insisting on verifying the “emergency” status before allowing the vehicle to proceed. The delay reportedly lasted several minutes, putting the patient’s life at risk.
Palace and DOTr Reaction
- Immediate Termination: Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista ordered the immediate removal of the official, stating that “common sense and the preservation of human life should always prevail over rigid traffic enforcement.”
- Malacañang’s Stance: Malacañang supported the move, with the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stressing that emergency vehicles must always have “unimpeded access” to any lane when sirens are active.
- Review of Protocols: The DOTr has directed the SAICT and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to conduct a mandatory retraining of all field personnel regarding the “Emergency Vehicle Protocol” to ensure such an incident is never repeated.
Public Outcry
The incident drew sharp criticism from healthcare advocates and lawmakers, who called the official’s actions “power-tripping” and “inhumane.” Senatorial candidates and incumbent lawmakers have used the event to call for clearer legislation regarding the rights of emergency responders on major thoroughfares.
The SAICT expressed its apologies to the family of the patient and the hospital involved, promising a more “compassionate and efficient” enforcement of traffic rules moving forward.