AFP warns personnel against using EDSA Busway

MANILA: Members of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), which consists of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, have been told to refrain from using the EDSA Busway or face sanctions.

The directive, issued last July 2, comes straight from the top. AFP Chief of Staff General Filemon Santos has instructed everyone in the military profession to show discipline and “treasure the trust of Filipinos.”

“Personnel who will be accosted, caught by traffic enforcers, or reported by concerned citizens for driving along the bus lanes in any part of MUST must immediately be subjected to administrative disciplinary actions. The outstanding support that we are receiving from the people does not excuse our wrong behaviors, (or) does our rank give us the authority to violate laws and policies,” said Santos.

The order comes just days after a government vehicle was flagged down by an MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) enforcer and fined for using the EDSA Busway. As seen in a video clip from the agency, the government vehicle was coming down the Santolan flyover southbound and was flashing its headlamps, seemingly to indicate that it was in a hurry as enforcers were flagging it down. It slowed down but continued flashing its headlamps and passed the initial two enforcers before finally stopping to a halt.

Soldiers, airmen and women, and sailors were also ordered to assist government authorities in speeding up travel time and appropriately manage vehicle traffic along the busway in order to access to the speed up access to the six cities in the National Capital Region.

Photo from the Philippine News Agency

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