Jonvic unaware that Marbil used busway

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Wednesday that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil was in the police convoy that traversed the EDSA bus carousel on Tuesday evening.

However, Remulla clarified that he was unaware of Marbil’s use of the busway to respond to an emergency.

In a Palace briefing, Remulla explained that he had been in constant communication with Marbil whose presence was urgently required in Parañaque City where authorities had rescued a kidnap victim.

Remulla said, “He was aware of the operation. We were in constant communication. I asked him to appear, so whatever method he used to get there, let me be clear, I did not give instructions to violate any traffic laws to make it there. But he was aware of the emergency.”

A video of the incident went viral on social media after the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DoTr-SAICT) flagged down the convoy for using the EDSA busway.

A police officer in the convoy said the vehicles were transporting Marbil to Camp Crame due to an “emergency” and they used the busway to get there faster. Although the DoTr-SAICT was not able to issue a ticket before the convoy left, a police officer later returned to receive the violation ticket for the improper use of the busway.

Earlier, Marbil defended the convoy’s use of the EDSA busway, saying senior police officials were attending an emergency closed-door meeting at Camp Crame.

“There was an emergency and an issue that we had to resolve yesterday so the secretary (Remulla) will announce the outcome of last night’s actions,” Marbil said.

He added that the presence of higher-ranking police officers was needed at the meeting.

Treat enforcers with courtesy

Marbil then emphasized the need for respect and courtesy towards traffic enforcers.

“I told them (police officers) to speak with more courtesy. If our people are stopped, you need to protect their identity,” Marbil said. “I told them, please do not argue because they are just doing their job.”

Marbil declined to confirm if he was in the convoy, citing security concerns after the vehicles’ plate numbers were made public.

“I cannot say because the plate numbers were released,” he said.

He stressed the importance of maintaining privacy, especially in emergency situations. “We need to establish a protocol because a plate number is private information. Also, the identity of a person should not be exposed. No one was killed, but of course, we don’t want this to become a public issue because it was an emergency.”

PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo defended the convoy’s use of the EDSA busway, clarifying that emergency situations allow PNP officers to use the route, as stipulated in existing guidelines.

“There is a provision in the guidelines that permits PNP officers to use the EDSA busway in urgent and emergency situations,” Fajardo said.

She added that the convoy did not argue with the traffic enforcers but instead requested permission to swiftly transport an officer to Camp Crame for a critical meeting.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed on DZRH radio that the police convoy was issued a ticket for violating the busway rules and they complied with the apprehension.

“We are all working in government, and we understand that each agency has its responsibilities to fulfill. What’s important is that we acknowledge and respect the purpose for these regulations,” Dizon said, adding that the transportation department’s guidelines on the EDSA busway must be upheld, including respecting the proper use of the dedicated lane.