MANILA - The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has outlined specific government vehicles allowed to utilize the Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) busway. DOTr Command and Control Operations Center head Charlie del Rosario detailed the guidelines in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, only five high-ranking government officials - the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, and the Chief Justice - are permitted to use the EDSA busway. This is in addition to on-duty ambulances, fire trucks, Philippine National Police (PNP) vehicles, and service vehicles of government agencies involved in the EDSA Busway project. The policy, effective November 14, is based on a request from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to provide clear guidelines for enforcement, avoiding reliance on personal judgment by officers. Vehicles serving as escorts for these officials are also allowed. However, other high-ranking officials like ambassadors, congressmen, and cabinet members are excluded from this privilege. Enforcers are instructed to adhere strictly to the document, which specifies allowed vehicles identifiable by protocol plates issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This clarification follows a recent incident involving Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., who was mistakenly identified as a busway user, leading to the issuance of traffic tickets to two drivers involved in the misrepresentation.