8-10-2023 (MANILA) In Manila, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), giving courtesy to very important persons (VIPs), including high-ranking officials, by prioritizing their passage on public roads is considered a norm. The issue was raised in response to a viral video on social media that showed a traffic jam on Commonwealth Avenue caused by a passing convoy.
MMDA’s acting chairman, Romando Artes, emphasized that such courtesy is extended, especially to the President and Vice President, due to their security concerns. He stressed that this protocol is primarily for security reasons and should not be seen as a privilege or entitlement. Additionally, it applies to foreign dignitaries, such as visiting heads of state, as well as executives of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) during their participation in the Philippines’ hosting of the FIBA World Cup.
Artes noted that the MMDA would formulate traffic management plans to prevent traffic congestion in such cases. He likened this practice to providing courtesy to high-ranking officials when it comes to landing aircraft, emphasizing that it is handled on a case-by-case basis without specific rules in place.
Previously, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced its intention to file a cybercrime complaint against Janus Munar, who allegedly filmed the video and inquired about the cause of the traffic standstill on Commonwealth Avenue. In the video, a policeman mentioned that the delay was due to a “VP,” which Munar then shared with other motorists, suggesting that “VP Sara Duterte” was responsible for the traffic jam.
Munar denied being the individual who took the video or having any relation to them. In response to the incident, the QCPD removed Executive Master Sergeant Verdo Pantollano, the officer with whom Munar allegedly spoke, from his post. QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan also issued an apology to Vice President Sara Duterte.
