SUV with plate number for senators passes EDSA bus lane, allegedly attempts to run over traffic enforcer

"Despite their efforts to approach the driver politely and perform their duties," the DOTr-SAICT said, "the driver continued to resist and eventually reversed the vehicle until reaching the open barrier, where they managed to escape."

A passenger in the back seat also allegedly raised their middle finger at the officers, the agency added.

In the latter half of the video, the back seat window partially opens, briefly revealing a man using his phone, seemingly documenting the officer apprehending them. In the passenger seat, another man can be seen as he guides the driver to avoid hitting anything. He ignores Barnacheo, who asks for the driver's license.

"Hay naku po, talaga naman," Barnachea can be heard saying as the vehicle backed up. She also told her companion, "Paano titiketan, umatras na."

The DOTr-SAICT said it would submit the video to the Land Transportation Office for the appropriate show-cause order against the violator.

"The DOTr-SAICT is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all commuters and will not tolerate any form of violence or disrespect towards its operatives," it said.

Jonathan Gesmundo, executive assistant to DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista, said they condemn the driver and passenger.

"Our officers were simply doing their jobs to maintain order and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. We will work closely with the authorities to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible and hold them accountable for their actions," Gesmundo said.

Meanwhile, Senate President Chiz Escudero urged the Land Transportation Office to identify the owner and user of the SUV and to inform the upper House as soon as possible. 

"If indeed the owner is a member of the Senate, I expect him/her to come forward and instruct the person/s driving the vehicle to responsibly face the consequences of their actions," he said as per DZBB.

Escudero also called on the culprit to surrender and present themselves to the authorities.

He then commended Barnachea and Reyno for "keeping their composure and remaining courteous" despite the circumstances.

The EDSA busway is reserved for public utility buses, emergency vehicles like ambulances and firetrucks, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.

In November 2023, the DoTr noted that the country's top officials—the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—may use the lane “to provide assistance in the performance of their duties.” The officials have to inform the DOTr ahead of time, and once approved, the plate number will be given to traffic enforcers.

At the time, DOTr Command and Control Operations Center Chief Charlie Del Rosario told CNN Philippines' The Source that they pertain to those “performing duties and responsibilities within the busway” like construction, security, janitorial, and maintenance services. But he said there are special cases, like when the Department of Social Welfare and Development needed to respond to a disaster.

Authorities have apprehended unauthorized vehicles passing through the bus lane.

Unauthorized usage of the EDSA bus lane incurs a P5,000 fine on the first offense; a P10,000 fine, one-month suspension of driver’s license, and a road safety seminar on the second offense; a P20,000 fine and one-year suspension of driver’s license on the third offense; and P30,000 fine and cancellation of driver’s license on the fourth offense.