Government vehicle caught using EDSA bus lane

MANILA, Philippines —  A vehicle reportedly owned by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) evaded apprehension for unauthorized use of the exclusive EDSA busway yesterday.

A black Mitsubishi Xpander with license plate number SAB-6308 was recorded on video following a passenger bus along the EDSA Carousel.

The Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) said the government vehicle has blinkers and stickers with the text www.llda.gov.ph.

Traffic enforcers tried to stop the vehicle as it exited the bus lane, but it switched to another lane and sped off.

Traffic enforcers tried to chase the vehicle by boarding a passenger bus but to no avail.

The DOTr-SAICT urged the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue a show-cause order to the driver of the government vehicle.

The agency once again reminded motorists that only emergency vehicles and the cars of top government officials are allowed to enter the EDSA bus lane. 

Meanwhile, the LTO summoned the driver of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) who was recorded on video making an illegal U-turn along EDSA.

The driver of the Hyundai Tucson (ZMM-842) was ordered to appear at the LTO central office in Quezon City on Oct. 14.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said the driver’s reckless act endangered the lives of other motorists.

Video footage showed the SUV making an illegal U-turn at the EDSA-Aurora underpass.

The registered owner of the vehicle was directed to bring the driver during the LTO hearing.

The driver is facing charges of reckless driving and obstruction of traffic.

The vehicle was also placed under alarm while the case is under investigation.