Solon says VIP convoys cause more traffic on the road
Last week, the news was dominated by the incident involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), with one of its official convoys apprehended for illegally using the EDSA Busway. The PNP later went on to defend its use of the said busway, claiming that under certain circumstances, like its high-level emergency meeting, it is allowed to use the said lane.
So, when MotoPinas.com ran into Sen. JV Ejercito during the opening of Alpinstars South, the conversation topic went from our previous off-road adventures to that busway incident. Being a 2-wheel enthusiast himself (motorcycle and bicycle), Sen. JV says that these VIP convoys make traffic worse, especially when their escorts block the normal flow of traffic to give priority to their boss.
“Lalo lang nagpapa-trapik yang mga VIP convoy na yan,” said Sen. JV.
(These VIP convoys are just causing more traffic.)
Just to give an example, Sen. JV adds, even when he’s on his motorcycle or bicycle, he is forced to stop for a few minutes along with other motorists, because a certain VIP and his or her entourage is given priority - all with sirens and blinkers - to use the road. Worse, some of these VIP convoys also include an ambulance, which, according to Sen. JV, deprives those who really need emergency services. Unfortunately, Sen. JV’s experience has become more common these days, as more affluent individuals use police escorts to beat the traffic.
In recent years, there have been calls for stricter enforcement of the rules governing VIP convoys in Metro Manila. Some people believe that VIPs should not be given priority on the road, especially when their convoys inconvenience other motorists and road users – just like what happened in the PNP busway incident where many commuters were delayed. Others argue that VIP convoys are still necessary for security reasons and should be allowed to continue.
