The agency emphasized that requests for the footage were immediately granted to the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation of the Department of Transportation, the LTO, and Senator Raffy Tulfo's office.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes addressed the concerns raised about the incident, stating that the agency considered the urgency of the situation and acted immediately.
"All requests were addressed within minutes," said Artes, adding that he has clarified any misunderstandings with Tulfo.
Sherwin Avoids SUV Issue: Leave It with the LTO
Describing himself as a law-abiding public servant, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian issued a statement yesterday regarding his family’s involvement with a Cadillac vehicle bearing a Senate protocol plate that illegally entered the EDSA busway.
However, he remained silent about his father's alleged involvement, saying he would leave it to the authorities to investigate the incident.
"I do not support the traffic violations committed by the management of Orient Pacific Corp. As a public servant for 23 years, I have always followed the rules and laws of our country," said Gatchalian.
"The issue is now with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and it is the agency's responsibility to address this matter accordingly," he added.
Gatchalian's family is linked to a white Cadillac Escalade that was caught using the exclusive bus lane on Sunday night. The driver and a representative from the Gatchalian-owned company, Orient Pacific Corp., surrendered to the LTO, confirming that the luxury vehicle is registered under their company. "The LTO is already conducting an investigation into the incident. Let's leave it at that for now," said Gatchalian.
In a separate press briefing yesterday, Senator Joel Villanueva stated that he does not allow any member of his family to use his protocol plate.
"I hope this won't become a big issue. It's weird to me that this is national news. The LTO should do their part and do the right thing. Public office is a public trust," he said.
