Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday, November 8, clarified that he never lent his protocol plates to anyone.
Gatchalian issued the statement rejecting information linking him to the white Cadillac Escalade sport utility vehicle (SUV) which illegally passed through the EDSA bus lane.
“I never lent out my official issued license plates to anyone. The official license plate (that) is installed on my car is duly registered with the LTO (Land Transportation Office),” Gatchalian told reporters in a Viber message.
The senator was responding to a media query asking if he owns the protocol plate but was only used by his brother.
Earlier, the lawmaker’s office also issued a formal statement stating that the senator does not own the Cadillac Escalade with the alleged “7” protocol plate. The vehicle, his office affirmed, is registered under Orient Pacific Corporation.
“Senator Gatchalian was not involved in the incident at the EDSA busway in Guadalupe and was not inside the vehicle when it occurred. The senator does not own the Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle is registered under Orient Pacific Corporation,” the statement read.
“The senator does not own the fake protocol plate of the said SUV. Furthermore, Senator Gatchalian has no connection to Orient Pacific Corporation whatsoever,” it further stated.
On Thursday, Gatchalian was mum when asked if the white SUV that was flagged down at the EDSA bus way was owned by his brother, Kenneth Gatchalian, saying he is leaving it up to the LTO to investigate the matter.
“We hope this clears up any misunderstandings and helps provide accurate information to everyone,” the senator’s office also stated.