Senator Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized that the matter concerning the white SUV with protocol plate "7," which fled after illegally entering the EDSA Busway on November 1, must be handled by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Gatchalian remained silent about his family's alleged involvement with the vehicle in question.
He declined to confirm whether his family owns Orient Pacific Corporation, where the SUV intercepted by DOTr personnel is registered.
"Nakita ko 'yung representative ng company may statement na. Tapos nakita ko rin na nagbayad na ng fine so iwan na lang natin sa LTO kung ano 'yung kanilang decision at ano 'yung kanilang gagawin," Gatchalian said in an ambush interview with the media on Thursday.
'IWAN NA LANG NATIN SA LTO KUNG ANO 'YONG KANILANG DESISYON'
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) November 7, 2024
WATCH: Ayon kay Sen. @WinGatchalian74 dapat ipaubaya na lamang sa @LTOPhilippines ang pagtugon tungkol sa isyu ng SUV na may plakang '7' na dumaan sa EDSA busway kamakailan | RH 28 @RaymundDadpaas, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/X5EugtLOqk
"Andon na sa LTO 'yung mga documents so iwan na lang natin sa LTO," he added.
He stated that, based on the news, the LTO is currently investigating the matter, making it difficult for him to provide further comments. He also noted that the agency is taking charge of the situation.
On November 6, the LTO held a press conference where the driver of the SUV was presented and offered an apology.
The issue regarding the protocol plate on the SUV remains unresolved as the investigation is still ongoing.
Futhermore, LTO Chief Asec. Atty. Vigor Mendoza II stated that they have already verified the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (ORCR) of the vehicle, and as of now, the registration is valid with no violations.
