MMDA Patrol Vehicle Linked to Busway Violation Surrendered to LTO
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes confirmed that the vehicle caught using the EDSA Busway is the personal vehicle of MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III.
A patrol vehicle connected to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now under the custody of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after being involved in an alleged traffic violation along the EDSA Busway.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes confirmed that the vehicle belongs to MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III. According to Artes, Torre admitted that the vehicle seen in the video circulating online was his personal vehicle.
However, Artes said he could not confirm whether Torre himself was inside the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The issue began after authorities caught the patrol vehicle using the EDSA Busway, a lane reserved for authorized buses and emergency vehicles. The vehicle was also reportedly using a license plate that did not match its registered records.
Following the incident, the LTO issued a Show Cause Order requiring an explanation regarding the alleged violations. In response, Torre voluntarily surrendered the vehicle to the agency.
LTO officials said the patrol vehicle will remain in their custody while investigators review the case and complete the necessary procedures. The agency is also looking into the reported use of a mismatched license plate, which is considered a serious violation of traffic and vehicle registration rules.
According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, the surrender of the vehicle will help speed up the investigation and ensure that all facts surrounding the case are properly examined.
The LTO emphasized that traffic laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of a person’s position or the government agency involved. The agency stressed that anyone found responsible for violating traffic regulations will be held accountable under existing laws.
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