Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Wednesday that they will conduct an investigation into the Philippine National Police (PNP) to determine whether they are abusing their authority in using the EDSA busway.
PNP chief General Rommel Marbil explained that senior police officials were compelled to use the EDSA busway after being urgently summoned to Camp Crame for a closed-door emergency meeting.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed during a press conference in Malacañang that he had requested Marbil’s presence at the meeting. However, he clarified, “Let me make it clear that I did not give instructions to violate any traffic laws in order to get there.”
Remulla added that he only became aware of the incident on Wednesday, a day after it went viral on social media. He also mentioned that he was unsure whether Marbil was among those who used the busway.
“I will confirm with him and ask him for an explanation,” he said.
Remulla cautioned PNP members against abusing their authority to evade traffic rules, emphasizing that the DILG has a “firm agreement” with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on a “zero tolerance policy” regarding the use of the EDSA busway.
The busway is designated for buses, but it is also accessible to official vehicles of the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Supreme Court Chief Justice, as well as emergency vehicles.
Marbil previously declined to confirm whether he was in the vehicle that violated traffic regulations, citing security concerns since the plate numbers of the vehicles had been made public.
According to the PNP, after dropping off their VIP passengers at Camp Crame, the drivers were instructed to return to the area to collect their tickets.
