Senator Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Thursday refrained from confirming if a white SUV, which was caught using the EDSA busway with a protocol plate numbered “7,” is linked to his family. Gatchalian stated that he would defer to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the investigation and final decision.
In a brief interview, Gatchalian commented, “Yesterday, I watched the news, saw a representative from the company issue a statement, and I noted that the fine was paid. Let’s just leave it to the LTO to handle the situation.” Pressed further on whether the vehicle belongs to his brother, he repeated, “All the documents are with the LTO, so let’s leave it to them.”
The controversy began after the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) posted a video showing the SUV evading apprehension on EDSA’s northbound busway near Guadalupe Station last Sunday. The vehicle, bearing a protocol “7” plate typically reserved for government officials, allegedly tried to run over SAICT Secretariat Sarah Barnachea.
Authorities later confirmed that the “7” plate was fake. On Wednesday, the driver, Angelito Edpan, a 52-year-old employee of Orient Pacific Corporation, came forward. Orient Pacific Corporation, which owns the SUV, lists Kenneth T. Gatchalian—Senator Gatchalian’s brother and a congressional candidate—as its president.
Senator Raffy Tulfo had also commented on the incident, stating the passenger of the SUV was related to a senator, further fueling speculation. Meanwhile, Orient Pacific’s legal representative declined to provide additional details regarding the company’s ownership and officials.
The LTO is continuing its investigation into the vehicle and the use of the protocol plate.