Remulla on EDSA busway incident: No order to violate traffic laws

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said he was not aware that Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Marbil used the EDSA Busway to respond to an emergency on Tuesday evening.

In a Palace briefing, Remulla noted that he was in constant communication with Marbil, as his presence was required in a police operation where authorities successfully rescued a kidnapped person.

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

A video went viral on social media showing a police convoy being flagged down by the Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT). A police officer in the convoy mentioned that the vehicles were allegedly transporting Marbil to Camp Crame due to an “emergency” and used the busway to reach their destination faster.

The DOTr-SAICT did not have time to issue a ticket to the convoy as it immediately drove away, but a police officer later returned to be issued a violation ticket.

In an earlier press conference, Marbil refused to confirm if the convoy was his, citing security concerns since the vehicle’s plate number was shown.

Remulla was also unable to confirm whether the convoy was carrying Marbil and other police officials, stating that he had only learned about the incident from reporters.

According to the DOTr, the following vehicles are allowed to use the special bus lane: LTFRB-authorized buses with permits to operate on the EDSA Busway route; on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and PNP vehicles; and service vehicles performing duties for the EDSA Busway Project, including but not limited to construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services.

The nation’s top officials, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, are also permitted to use the EDSA Busway.

Remulla said the DILG has an agreement with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcing a “zero tolerance policy” between the two agencies and that the incident will be investigated.