May 9 presidential aspirant Manny Pacquiao.
THE Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) reported on Sunday that they cited a convoy allegedly linked to former Senator Manny Pacquiao for using the EDSA Busway lane.
According to the DOTr-SAICT, transportation department operatives stopped a black Toyota van leading two other vehicles around 3 PM. The van was using unauthorized blinkers and a siren while driving on the busway.
“The driver revealed being security detail of former Senator Pacquiao. A passenger in the vehicle protested, pledging to relocate the convoy for proper ticketing,” the DOTr-SAICT stated.
When the traffic official moved to the side to allow the vehicle to pull over for ticketing, the convoy reportedly fled, with the black Suburban SUV (without a rear license plate) leading the evasion. The Toyota van later returned to accept citations for Disregarding Traffic Signs and Illegal Use of Blinkers, prompting an investigation.
Pacquiao’s security chief said the former senator was unaware of the incident but has taken steps to ensure his staff complies with traffic rules.
“The van was driven by one of our drivers with helpers on board. After being stopped, the driver left instead of complying with authorities. This was a mistake, and we take full responsibility,” said Jojo Cagumay, Pacquiao’s head of security.
“I reprimanded the driver and ordered him to return, apologize, and accept the traffic ticket. We do not tolerate any disregard for traffic laws,” he added. “We apologize for this mistake and will ensure it does not happen again.”
Cagumay also mentioned that Pacquiao reminded his team “to follow traffic regulations.”
