PNP limits cops’ use of EDSA busway

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers should use the EDSA Bus Carousel only when responding to crimes and other emergencies, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said yesterday.

Acorda gave the directive after a policeman driving a police car caused a bus to crash on the busway along the southbound lane of EDSA in Quezon City on Wednesday.

“I am reiterating to all our drivers, especially those in marked vehicles: the use of this bus lane is in case of emergency, like responding to crime,” he told reporters on the sidelines of his inspection of fireworks stores in Bocaue, Bulacan.

“Aside from that, there is no exemption,” he added.

Dashcam videos showed the bus was traversing the busway when the police car veered to the left and entered the Carousel.

The bus then swerved to the left and hit the railings of the Metro Rail Transit’s Santolan station.

The unnamed police officer, who is assigned with the National Police Training Institute, was removed from his post after the incident, which left five people injured.

He was also issued an ordinance violation receipt by the Quezon City Traffic Enforcement Group for reckless driving.

Acorda emphasized the PNP’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct of its personnel.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reminded those authorized to use the busway to be careful when entering the lane.