Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has paid a total of ₱14,000 in penalties after his personal vehicle was cited for multiple traffic infractions, including the unauthorized use of the exclusive EDSA Busway while disguised as an agency patrol car.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the impounded SUV surrendered by Torre is registered as his private property.
Torre previously uploaded a video on social media depicting the vehicle driving through the designated bus lane, asserting it was an agency patrol vehicle deployed to evaluate heavy traffic conditions.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao stated that Torre acknowledged being a passenger inside the SUV at the time of the incident, though a private driver was operating the vehicle.
Following the vehicle’s impoundment, LTO inspectors uncovered several accompanying infractions, including license plate tampering, the display of unauthorized stickers and agency markings, and illegal vehicle modifications such as emergency blinkers.
“Ang violation niya ‘yung tampering of plates. Number two, ‘yung imitation ng, naglalagay ng mga sticker, markings na bawal ‘yon. And ‘yung accessories, illegal modification na naglalagay ng accessories, which is ‘yung blinker,” Lacanilao said.
Investigators revealed that the red government plate affixed to the SUV during its trip along the bus lane belonged to an MMDA truck listed in the agency’s official inventory. The SUV’s actual private plates were reattached only prior to surrendering the car to authorities.
While a formal hearing was originally scheduled for Friday afternoon, September 4, following a subpoena served to Torre’s driver, the MMDA official fully settled the assessed monetary penalties earlier that morning.
The LTO emphasized that despite the prompt payment of monetary fines, the driver remains subject to severe administrative penalties.
“It’s either ma-suspend po ‘yan nang panghabang panahon or ma-revoke. Depende po sa bigat ng magiging kaso doon sa resolution ng case,” Lacanilao said.
Lacanilao noted that the SUV will remain in impoundment until all unauthorized MMDA decals, sirens, and emergency lights are completely stripped from the vehicle.
The transportation agency reiterated that public officials are required to strictly observe traffic regulations.
“Ginagamit po natin ‘yung batas para ipatupad ito sa mga civilian, so hindi po tayo above the law na tayo ay exempted doon, tayo po ay saklaw din no’n,” Lacanilao said.