By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday warned against the abuse of the EDSA Busway exemption following backlash on Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Malacañang will not tolerate abusive behaviors.
She reminded officials to use the busway only in times of verified emergencies.
The official also clarified that “emergency meetings” do not qualify for the exemption.
“Hindi po kasama doon iyong emergency meeting. Kung may emergency meeting, mas maganda po umalis sila nang maaga sa kanilang bahay (Emergency meeting is not included in the exemption. If there is an emergency meeting, it is better for them to leave their house early),” Castro said.
Marbil recently said the PNP convoy used the EDSA busway to rush to Camp Crame in Quezon City for an “emergency meeting.”
Castro reiterated that abuse will not be tolerated and that heftier penalties may be considered for violators, especially public servants.
“Kung may pang-aabuso, dapat managot (If there is abuse, they will be held accountable),” Castro said.
Meanwhile, the PNP vowed to continue to engage with the public “in a transparent and responsible manner.”
The PNP made the statement on Thursday in response to an alleged leaked memorandum instructing police officials to “amplify” their operational accomplishments to “further overshadow the issue.”
“We are aware of reports circulating regarding an alleged leaked memorandum and are currently conducting an internal verification process to determine its authenticity and context,” the PNP said in a statement.
The PNP urged the public to rely on verified sources of information to avoid misinformation and speculation. (With reports from Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)
