Photo credit: Senate PH

It was a moment of brazen audacity on the road: a white SUV, bearing what looked like a senator’s exclusive "7" protocol plate, casually cutting into the EDSA bus lane, sparking outrage on social media. But as Senate President Chiz Escudero swiftly pointed out, something was fishy about that plate – and now, it’s confirmed.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), following Escudero’s inquiry, has verified that the "7" plate seen on the SUV was a fake. In fact, no such protocol plate had been issued for that particular type of vehicle, the LTO said, adding fuel to the public’s call for answers.

Senate President Escudero, who raised initial suspicions about the SUV's plate, stressed that senators’ protocol plates don’t carry any additional markings like dates or years, which appeared on the viral video’s plate. "Napatunayan ng LTO na peke ‘yung plaka na ginamit ng SUV sa video," Escudero emphasized. "Hindi dapat magtapos dito ang isyu na ito. Kailangan matukoy ng LTO kung sino ang may-ari ng sasakyan at siguraduhin na mananagot ito sa paglabag ng batas."

The exclusive "7" protocol plates, as Escudero reminded the public, are intended solely for senators’ vehicles and don’t confer any special privileges to use restricted lanes meant for public buses. The act was not just a traffic violation, Escudero argued, but a stain on the integrity of the institution these plates represent. "We thank the LTO for their swift action on this incident,” he added, “but this particular incident should not go unpunished."

Escudero also took the opportunity to remind fellow lawmakers that, as representatives of the people, their conduct on and off the road carries weight. And with the case in the hands of the LTO, Escudero is hopeful it will be pursued until the SUV’s owner is held accountable.

The viral video, now making rounds across social platforms, serves as a stark reminder that some things can’t be faked – especially accountability.