Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson on Monday, April 15, doubled his donation to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after his convoy was apprehended by its enforcers for bus lane violation last week.
Singson personally went to the agency's headquarters in Pasig City to give the ₱200,000 donation to MMDA Chairman Don Artes.
In his speech after the MMDA's flag ceremony, the former Ilocos Sur governor once again apologized for the violation and praised the MMDA enforcers who caught his convoy.
UPDATE: @MMDA, nilinaw na P200k lang ang donasyong ibinigay ni dating Gov. Chavit Singson sa ahensya | RH 52 @ednielparrosa #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/uXefckvIXa
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) April 15, 2024
He clarified that the donation was not a bribe as this is not allowed under the law.
Republic Act No. 6713 prohibits public officials and employees from receiving gifts on any occasion.
"Anyway, magbibigay pa rin ako. May resibo naman, bahala na kung ibigay sa mga nanghuli o bigay ng uniporme, or whatever tulong para sumipag ating mga enforcer," Singson said.
The former Ilocos Sur governor, meanwhile, asked MMDA enforcers to be cautious of those who will use artificial intelligence to impersonate his voice or use his name.
"Pakihuli iyon. Kapag may gumamit na pangalan, siguradong hindi ako iyan dahil hindi na ako dadaan diyan sa bus lane," he assured.
Last April 8, the MMDA strike force lagged down Singson's black armored car and companion vehicle after getting caught passing through the lane exclusive for buses.
Chavit paid ₱5,000 for each vehicle and posted a public apology video in which he initially promised a ₱100,000 reward to the MMDA enforcers.
