DOTr relieves SAICT chief over ambulance busway row

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has relieved Rayson Dela Torre, head of the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT), from his post following controversy over the use of the EDSA busway by ambulances.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez announced the decision Wednesday through the department’s official social media platforms, clarifying existing guidelines on when emergency vehicles may use the EDSA busway.

The move came after a news clip circulated showing SAICT personnel allegedly flagging down an ambulance on the morning of 17 February that was transporting a patient with stage four cancer to a scheduled appointment.

In a media interview, Dela Torre reportedly maintained that ambulances would only be allowed to use the busway if carrying patients in critical condition.

However, DOTr guidelines state that “on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, and Philippine National Police vehicles” are permitted to use the busway.

The department said Dela Torre’s public statement contradicts existing policy.

“On this premise, your statement that only ambulances with patients in critical condition may be allowed to use the Busway contradicts the existing policy which neither specify that only extreme cases of emergencies may be allowed nor prohibit the use of ambulances in non-emergency cases,” the order read.

Dela Torre was directed to submit a written explanation as to why he should not face disciplinary action. The DOTr also ordered SAICT to conduct a reorientation of its personnel regarding busway policies.

Dela Torre had been leading enhanced enforcement operations on the EDSA busway in recent weeks. Among the notable incidents during the crackdown was the apprehension of a passenger vehicle disguised as an ambulance on 12 February.