FIRING LINE: Senators right and wrong

By Robert B. Roque, Jr.

Public outrage might have simmered by now over the white Cadillac flashing a “7” protocol plate through the EDSA Busway. But let’s revisit that incident as not just about breaking rules, but about flaunting privilege.

To recall, the luxury vehicle turned out to be owned by Orient Pacific Corp., which is tied to the Gatchalian family. I’m quite disappointed with Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s initial response when confronted by reporters.

He gave it a quick brush-off, asking to “leave it at that” on the pretext that the Land Transportation Office was already on it. The LTO is about slapping fines and settling the traffic violation.

But this isn’t just about traffic laws; it’s about showing the public that some can openly flaunt power and get away with it. So, the senator’s dodging the question is very disappointing.

A day later, Sen. Gatchalian issued a statement, saying he did not lend his own protocol plate. That suggests that the plate used by his brother’s company is a fake. If so, as a nationally elected leader, should he not be the first to get enraged and demand punishment?

Perhaps, it’s the same voice of privilege speaking in Sen. Joel Villanueva’s head when he says this incident shouldn’t be a “big thing.” Sorry, Sen. Joel, but this isn’t just about a traffic violation.

It’s a glaring example of the entitlement that politically connected families flaunt — and the public has every reason to be outraged. Brushing it off as “weird” doesn’t help; it only deepens the frustration when leaders trivialize such abuses of power.

Tulfo in action

No one can blame Sen. Raffy Tulfo if he now demands a full probe into the Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) apparent inaction. After this incident, it’s fair to ask why the agency’s motorcycle units are conveniently missing in action when high-profile vehicles break the rules.

Tulfo isn’t wrong to suspect that these units, meant to keep traffic in line, are being misused to escort VIPs instead.

Even more concerning, Tulfo says the MMDA has been uncooperative in providing CCTV footage to identify these privileged violators, raising the question: is the agency actively shielding VIPs from accountability?

If true, this is a serious abuse of public trust. Tulfo’s push for answers is exactly what’s needed — it’s time the MMDA remembers its duty to serve the people, not cater to power.

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