PNP Vows Zero Tolerance for Illegal Use of EDSA Bus Lane by Police Officers

Manila – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared a zero-tolerance policy for police officers violating traffic laws, particularly unauthorized use of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) bus lane. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo announced this stance on Tuesday following the apprehension of 514 violators, including five police officers, for unauthorized usage of the EDSA bus lane.

According to Philippines News Agency, Fajardo, PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. has directed strict adherence to traffic laws by police officers. The PNP is prepared to support the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in filing criminal or administrative cases against officers caught violating traffic regulations. The MMDA’s Regulation No. 23-002 imposes fines of PHP5,000 for the first offense and escalates penalties for repeated violations, including license suspension and mandatory participation in a road safety seminar. The regulation applies to both public and private vehicles not authorized to use the bus lane.

As of Tuesday, the MMDA reported that 107 motorists were caught for unauthorized use of the busway, comprising 42 motor vehicles and 65 motorcycles. The MMDA also appealed to the Supreme Court to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) on the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), emphasizing its importance in monitoring and implementing traffic rules on Metro Manila roads. The NCAP uses closed-circuit television cameras to capture violations and apprehend offending vehicles.