Metro Manila, Philippines – Quezon City Rep. Ralph Tulfo has apologized after his vehicle was caught passing along the Edsa busway.
In a statement on Tuesday night, Jan. 28, Tulfo said he did not invoke the name of any government official when he was apprehended, and he denied any abuse toward authorities to get away from the incident.
The congressman said he has paid the penalty and will undergo a seminar on traffic rules.
“Taos-puso po akong humihingi ng inyong paumanhin at pang-unawa. Nangangako po akong gagawin ko ang lahat ng hakbang upang maiwasan ang ganitong uri ng pagkakamali sa hinaharap,” Tulfo stated.
[Translation: I wholeheartedly ask for the public’s forgiveness and understanding. I promise to undertake all measures to avoid this kind of lapse in the future.]
The representative’s father, Senator Raffy Tulfo, insisted that his son did not abuse anyone.
“Hindi siya gumamit ng plakang otso which karapatan niyang gumamit pero hindi siya gumamit. It just shows na hindi siya abusado,” the senator said in an interview.
[Translation: He did not use plate 8, which he has a right to do so. It just shows that he is not abusive.]
A plate number 8 is issued to members of the House of Representatives.
“Ang pagkakaalam ko ata nagmamadali siya. ‘Yung driver niya yata ang pumasok doon sa bus (lane). Pinagalitan ko siya,” the older Tulfo said.
[Translation: From what I know, he was in a hurry. His driver entered the bus lane. I scolded him.]
The busway, the innermost lane along Edsa, is designated for authorized buses with special permits. It may also be used by ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles, and service vehicles.
The president, vice president, Senate president, House speaker, and Supreme Court justice are also permitted to use the busway.
