Manila, Philippines — Last week, an SUV allegedly linked to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was voluntarily surrendered to the Land Transportation Office after it was seen using the restricted EDSA Busway.
According to a video resurfaced online, the vehicle used MMDA markings.
And days after, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III admitted that the vehicle was his personal SUV.
He said it was being used to inspect traffic conditions and was being driven by his driver together with him.
Upon investigation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), they found that the SUV was privately registered but was using a license plate assigned to another vehicle.
The agency also found MMDA markings as unauthorized, as well as a siren and blinker attached to the vehicle.
Because of this on Monday, the LTO revoked the driver’s license for one year after finding the violations.
He was declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle” after the LTO found that he was involved in two separate incidents involving the SUV.
The SUV remains impounded at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City, with the agency ordering the removal of the unauthorized MMDA markings and equipment installed.