The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has clarified that the SUV with a senator-assigned plate number “7,” which allegedly entered the restricted EDSA bus lane and attempted to run over a traffic enforcer, was using a fake plate.
In a statement posted on social media on November 5, the LTO said, “The initial information we have based on evidence shows that the ‘7’ protocol plate attached to the SUV in the viral video is fake.” The agency added that no official protocol plate had been issued to a vehicle of that type.
The LTO is working with the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) to gather details on the SUV, aiming to identify its registered owner. A show cause order will soon be issued to the vehicle’s owner and driver, requiring them to explain violations such as disregarding traffic signs and improper vehicle operation.
The LTO also plans to coordinate with Senate President Chiz Escudero’s office regarding findings from the investigation.
In a related video released by the DOTr-SAICT, the incident unfolded at Guadalupe Station’s northbound lane. Traffic enforcer Secretariat Sarah Barnachea was seen instructing the driver to stop, but the SUV driver reportedly attempted to flee and nearly ran over the enforcer. Another officer arrived to assist, but the SUV eventually managed to escape through an open barrier.
The LTO warned that unauthorized use of protocol plates and disregard for road rules would face strict penalties. EDSA’s bus lane is reserved solely for public utility buses, emergency vehicles, and specific government vehicles on official duty, with unauthorized entry resulting in fines and possible license suspension.
Unauthorized entry into the bus lane carries escalating fines, starting at P5,000 for a first offense and reaching up to P30,000 and license cancellation for repeated violations.
