MMDA: Nebrija went ‘overboard’

MANILA, Philippines — Suspended Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Task Force Special Operations Unit chief Bong Nebrija “went overboard” when he named Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and a former lawmaker as violators of the EDSA Carousel policy, according to acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

“Names of those apprehended for using the EDSA busway should not be mentioned. It was sufficient that they were given citation tickets. Namedropping could lead to bashing,” Artes said at a media briefing yesterday.

Nebrija claimed that Revilla and former congressman Christopher Co did not obey the law and passed through the EDSA bus lane on Wednesday.

Artes noted that the vehicle that carried protocol plate “7” for senators did not belong to Revilla and the motorists involved were not connected to him.

“The two drivers admitted that Senator Revilla was not in the vehicle when they were pulled over by traffic enforcers,” Artes said.

Nebrija had apologized to Revilla and Co for the namedropping incident.

Nebrija has been suspended for up to 30 days following a tiff with Revilla.

Revilla initially threatened to recall the MMDA’s budget for 2024, which had been approved and referred to the plenary.

The senator retracted, saying that one person’s fault should not affect the agency’s funding.

Beginning Nov. 20, all government vehicles and even those with protocol plates are barred from passing through the EDSA Carousel, according to Artes.

The Department of Transportation said buses authorized by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, on duty ambulances, fire trucks and Philippine National Police cars are allowed to use the EDSA busway.

The President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice are also authorized to use the EDSA Carousel.