Escudero calls for accountability over use of protocol plate 7

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday, November 4 called for the responsible use of protocol plates after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) with plate number 7 was caught using the EDSA busway and tried to run over an enforcer of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Protocol plates marked “7” are reserved for senators and are valid only during an official's incumbency.

It may only be issued to vehicles under the name of a senator or are officially assigned to them.

“The driver violated the law. The actions of the driver/passenger are unacceptable,” Escudero said in a statement regarding the incident which has become viral on social media.

Escudero also called on the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to identify the owner-user of the vehicle and to inform the Senate 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 and of their actions as soon as they know and find out  about the incident themselves and to surrender and present themselves to the authorities accordingly,” Escudero said.

The Senate leader also commended the traffic officials involved “for keeping their composure and remaining courteous” despite the circumstances that they encountered.