A mobile patrol car of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was flagged by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after a video circulated on social media showing it holding up traffic along Taft Avenue on Thursday.
In the video, a motorist narrates the situation, claiming that a patrol car from the Ermita Police Station stopped in front of his vehicle at the intersection near the Philippine General Hospital despite a green light.
“Cumut sakin kanina, tapos nung nabusinahan galit. Partida na ’yan, mga PO1 pa lang ’yan,” the driver said. “Ayan po, oh, naka-go, ayaw nilang gumo, hinarangan nila ako dito.”
Throughout the clip, the police vehicle can be seen backing up in an apparent attempt to keep the motorist’s car in place and prevent it from driving around.
The driver of the patrol car eventually stepped on the gas as the traffic light was turning red.
Based on the LTO’s show cause order, the action was deemed a safety hazard and a clear violation of traffic rules and regulations.
The agency also noted that the incident was particularly concerning, as it involved personnel expected to enforce the law.
The driver and the registered owner of the vehicle are set to face charges of reckless driving and obstruction of traffic, along with a 90-day suspension of the driver’s license, which must be surrendered to the LTO.