The convoys of five top government officials will be authorized to pass through the exclusive bus lane along EDSA, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
In an interview with the media in San Juan, MMDA chairman Don Artes said the five includes the Philippine President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Supreme Court Chief Justice.
"I-expand po iyan, upon our recommendation, included sa pwedeng gumamit ang convoy ng Presidente, convoy ng Bise Presidente, convoy ng Speaker of the House, at Chief Justice ng Korte Suprema. Ayan lamang yung authorized na dumaan sa bus carousel," he said.
Convoy ng (1) Presidente, (2) Bise Presidente, (3) Senate President, (4) House Speaker at (5) Chief Justice PAPAYAGANG dumaan sa EDSA Bus Carousel batay sa rekumendasyon ng MMDA, ayon kay Chairman Don Artes @dzrhnews https://t.co/wcO4wOMP9e pic.twitter.com/mkc4NNTnCn
— Edniel Parrosa (@ednielparrosa) November 15, 2023
Meanwhile, In a press briefing in the Senate, Artes said they had submitted the recommendation to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday evening, Nov. 14.
"Well, nag-usap po kami ng DOTr kagabi. Naninidigan po sila na tatlo lang talaga ang puwede pong dumaan sa EDSA Bus Carousel, one yung bus na bumabyahe, two emergency vehicle, at clearly-marked government vehicles. In-extend nila yun upon our recommendation to include yung convoy ng president, bise presidente, Senate President, House Speaker, at chief justice of the Supreme Court," he said.
"I di-dsicuss pa po namin kung i-allow kung pwede ang plates na six, seven, and eight dahil kailangan pong aralin yung impact or implication in so far as 'yon pong mobility ng mga buses," Artes added.
The extension comes after the MMDA reportedly apprehended the convoy of Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla. However, this report was immediately debunked by Revilla.
Last Monday, Nov. 13, the agency started to impose stiffer penalities for carousel bus lane violators.
