Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Friday apologized to the public after his vehicle with a government-issued protocol plate was apprehended on April 11 for plying the EDSA bus lane.
However, in his statement, the senator clarified that he does not use the protocol license plate and the vehicle was being used by the "driver of a family member" when it was caught.
"In the morning of 11 April 2024, a vehicle bearing protocol license plates issued to me was apprehended by the MMDA for improperly using the bus lane on Edsa. The use of the protocol plate was unauthorized, as the vehicle was being driven by the driver of a family member," Escudero stated.
"I do not personally use the protocol license plates issued to me, and forthwith the protocol plates involved in the incident will be surrendered to the [Land Transportation Office]," he added.
On Thursday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) flagged down an SUV bearing plate #7, which is assigned to senators, for using the EDSA bus lane. The vehicle immediately sped off after the driver surrendered his driver's license.
"I apologize to the public and my colleagues in the Senate for this oversight. Moving forward, I commit to ensure that the protocol plates entrusted to me are used appropriately, consistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 56, s. 2024," Escudero said.
Meanwhile, he commended the traffic authorities for enforcing traffic rules "regardless of rank, title or position."
