Villanueva Reacts to SUV with “7” Protocol Plate on EDSA Busway
JOEL VILLANUEVA – The senator expressed his reaction to the controversial SUV, bearing a “7” protocol plate, that illegally passed through the EDSA Busway.
Villanueva downplayed the issue, saying, “I hope that this will not be a big thing. I just find it sorry ha, I just find it weird na it’s a national news and the LTO should just do their part.” He further urged everyone to “be responsible” and “do the right thing,” showing little concern for the public outcry over the incident.
Netizens quickly expressed their frustration with the senator’s comments. Some criticized him for downplaying the matter, with one user accusing him of trying to diminish the significance of the incident. Others pointed out his lack of humility and accountability, reminding him that serving in the Senate is a public trust, not a personal club or fraternity. Some were frustrated by his apparent disregard for the concerns of the people, calling his remarks “stupid” and “senseless.”
While Villanueva remained unconcerned, Senator Raffy Tulfo took a more assertive stance, stating that he would not back down from addressing the viral SUV issue. He disagreed with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who suggested leaving the matter to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian denied lending his “7” protocol plate to anyone after allegations linked his brother, Kenneth Gatchalian, to a Cadillac Escalade SUV that bypassed the EDSA Busway. The SUV, with a “7” plate, was caught on video evading traffic and allegedly attempting to run over a member of the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee.
Gatchalian clarified via a Viber message that his official protocol plate is registered with the LTO and has never been lent out. He also denied any connection to the SUV or the “fake” plate and refrained from confirming whether the vehicle belonged to his family, deferring to the LTO investigation.