Chiz Escudero admits owning car caught on EDSA bus lane: 'I apologize'

The owner of the SUV with a government-issued protocol plate apprehended on Thursday is Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the Land Transportation Office said.

In a statement sent to LTO on Friday, Escudero admitted that he "abused" the use of the protocol license plate number "7" as the vehicle was driven by "a family member." He said he had asked the driver to appear before the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to answer the charges.

"Following the incident, I have directed the driver to appear before the MMDA to comply with the show-cause order issued to him and to answer the charges he faces for the violation," the senator said. He added that he would surrender the protocol plates to the LTO.

Escudero also apologized the the public and his colleagues for the "oversight," and commended the authorities for their vigilance.

"I commend the authorities for their vigilance and reiterate my support for government efforts to ensure that traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila are observed by all—regardless of rank, title or position," Escudero said.

"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," he said.

On Thursday, April 11, authorities flagged down a vehicle with the plate number "7" that was seen along the EDSA Busway, which is limited to public utility buses, emergency responders, official government cars, and select dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

The driver surrendered their driver's license but sped off right away, saying that they were off in a hurry.