The Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) intercepted a convoy allegedly linked to former senator Manny Pacquiao for unauthorized use of the EDSA Busway lane.
According to a statement from DOTr-SAICT, authorities stopped a black Toyota van leading two other vehicles around 3 p.m. on Sunday. The van was using unauthorized blinkers and sirens while driving in the restricted lane.
The driver identified himself as part of Pacquiao’s security team, while a passenger in the vehicle initially protested but later agreed to relocate the convoy for proper ticketing. However, as a traffic officer stepped aside, the convoy suddenly fled, with a black Suburban SUV—lacking a rear license plate—leading the escape. The Toyota van later returned, and citations were issued for Disregarding Traffic Signs and Illegal Use of Blinkers.
Pacquiao’s head of security, Jojo Cagumay, clarified that the former senator was unaware of the incident but has since reminded his team to follow traffic laws. He admitted that the driver made a mistake by fleeing and has since been reprimanded.
“We take full responsibility for this lapse. I ordered the driver to return, apologize, and accept the traffic ticket. We do not tolerate any violations of traffic rules,” Cagumay stated.
He assured the public that Pacquiao’s team is taking measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
