Despite intensified efforts by authorities to rein in abuses in using the busway along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), it’s becoming clear some motorists just never seem to learn.
Two officers belonging to the Airport Police Department (APD) are now facing raps after their unauthorized use of the EDSA Busway last Sunday, January 21.
In a statement, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines said the authority has ordered the suspension on the two officers, identified as AP02 Raymond Anuran and AP01 Michael Lilis, which the MIAA said "were on an official mission."
"We cannot just tolerate this kind of abuse. It is embarrassing and this must stop," Ines was quoted as saying after learning about the incident.
The recently appointed general manager ordered the officers to be relieved from their duties after instructing Manny Gonzales, the Assistant General Manager for Security and Emergency Services, to personally handle the investigation.
"Violation pa rin yung going through the Bus Carousel (passing through the bus carousel is still a violation)," he added.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the incident occurred on January 21, 2024 when the APD vehicle was flagged down by MMDA enforcers for violating the rules and regulation of the EDSA Busway.
According to reports, the airport policeman who was driving the marked vehicle refused to surrender his driver's license when requested by the apprehending enforcers, resulting in a dispute.
The EDSA Busway is a separate lane on EDSA that is exclusively for public passenger buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.
Only the top five government executives are allowed to use the EDSA carousel bus lane - the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice.
Last year, the MMDA has intensified its drive against private vehicles and official vehicles not belonging in its “authorized vehicle” list who continue to violate the EDSA Busway rule.
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