Senator Ronald dela Rosa clarified to the media that he is not linked to the Cadillac Escalade that was spotted illegally using the EDSA Busway with a “No. 7” protocol plate, which authorities now suspect is counterfeit. Dela Rosa emphasized that he does not use protocol plates on his vehicle for security purposes, noting that the “7” plate, designated solely for senators, could potentially expose him to safety risks.
The senator highlighted that using protocol plates is optional, and he opts not to display his position openly. “Why would I announce to the whole world that I’m a senator when I already know that I’m a senator?” he remarked in an ABS-CBN report.
Senate President Francis Escudero backed up the claim, saying that no protocol plate numbered “7” was issued for this particular vehicle, based on information from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). LTO Executive Director Greg Pua confirmed that the agency had not issued a protocol plate to any white Escalade and that the design and details of the plate in question did not match those of legitimate protocol plates. Pua added that the LTO is tracking the vehicle, given the limited number of Escalades in the Philippines.
If the vehicle owner is identified, authorities indicated that they could face penalties, including license suspension or even revocation, for unlawfully using the restricted EDSA Busway. Only official vehicles of the president, vice president, Senate president, and House speaker are permitted to access this lane.
