Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero issued an apology on Friday, April 12 after a sports utility vehicle (SUV) bearing the protocol license plate no. 7 that had been issued to him was caught on the EDSA bus lane.

"In the morning of 11 April 2024, a vehicle bearing protocol license plates issued to me was apprehended by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) for improperly using the bus lane on Edsa. The use of the protocol plate was unauthorized, as the vehicle was being driven by the driver of a family member," he said in a statement.

"I apologize to the public and my colleagues in the Senate for this oversight. Moving forward, I commit to ensure that the protocol plates entrusted to me are used appropriately, consistent with the provisions of Executive Order No. 56, s. 2024," he said.

Escudero has yet to identify who was onboard the vehicle at the time that it was flagged down by enforcers from the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT).

"The No. 7 protocol plate was also abused because vehicles with these plates are not allowed to use bus lanes. Following the incident, I have directed the driver to appear before the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to comply with the show-cause order issued to him and to answer the charges he faces for the violation," said the senator.

The driver sped off before being issued a traffic violation ticket, leaving behind his license.

Escudero said he does not personally use the protocol license plates issued to him, and "forthwith the protocol plates involved in the incident will be surrendered to the LTO".

The senator commended the authorities for their vigilance and reiterated his support for government efforts to ensure that traffic rules and regulations in Metro Manila are observed by all—regardless of rank, title or position.