By Robert B. Roque, J?r.
For those who doubt the sanctity of the EDSA Carousel for public utility buses, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will gladly prove you wrong.
It offers as one of its latest case studies the sports utility vehicle (SUV) with license plate “7” — a senator’s mark — that was flagged down last Friday and then suddenly sped off even before traffic enforcers could issue the driver a ticket.
Let’s cut to the cheese, I mean, chase. Senator Chiz Escudero already owned up to the runaway vehicle, even if it was not him on board. I believe him.
It’s just a stinging disappointment, though, that of all the reckless, witless, and undeserving people in government elected to bear our public trust, this esteemed senator suddenly becomes the face of a prevailing culture of impunity where the privileged expect special treatment on our congested roads.
For whatever it’s worth, the good senator will surrender the license plates in the case to the Land Transportation Office as a form of amends and have the driver appear before the MMDA to answer for all the violations.
Invoking power
The recent incident involving a relative of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos Jr. is another textbook example of entitlement and disregard for traffic laws. A certain Jaz Abalos, caught operating an illegal public transport vehicle, resorted to invoking the DILG Chief’s name as a shield against accountability.
Let’s break it down: expired registration, a fake driver’s license, ferrying passengers illegally — and when apprehended, what’s the response: “Do you know who I am?” Yes, apparently, the relative of the Cabinet secretary thinks familial ties equate to immunity from consequences.
It exemplifies the audacity of those who shamelessly name-drop or leverage connections to flout the law. Kudos to Secretary Abalos for not lifting a finger for her benefit. No one should be above the law, and no amount of name-dropping or borrowed power should shield individuals from facing the repercussions of their actions.
Kudos to the MMDA for standing firm against such behavior. Let this be a lesson: respect the law, not your connections.
Victory for Pinoys
Amid the chaos of entitled drivers and influential affiliations, the MMDA now stands as a stalwart guardian of the EDSA busway, ensuring its sanctity for public utility buses — the lifeline of countless working Filipinos and students.
In many ways, this could be seen as a victory for the working class. This past week saw the apprehension of four cars carrying stickers bearing the logos of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and “Bagong Pilipinas,” two more bearing red plates, and a Toyota Fortuner fitted with the No. 8 protocol plate reserved for members of the House of Representatives.
By the way, if you see an “8” plate, that is automatically illegal and unauthorized because, according to the House, it did not officially issue such number plates in this 19th Congress.
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