Gatchalian clarifies no link to Cadillac Escalade controversy

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has clarified that he is not involved in a controversy involving a Cadillac Escalade with a fake protocol plate '7' that passed through the EDSA Busway.

Gatchalian's office stated on Friday that the vehicle, registered under Orient Pacific Corporation and linked to members of his family, was neither driven nor owned by the senator during the incident.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that Gatchalian never lent out his official license plates and that they are duly registered with the LTO.

Gatchalian emphasized in a statement that he has no connection to Orient Pacific Corporation and does not own the fake protocol plate or the Cadillac Escalade involved in the incident.

The driver of the SUV, Angelito Edpan, an employee of Orient Pacific Corporation, apologized for running away from enforcers without knowing the identities of the passengers on board.

Senator Gatchalian stated that he neither confirms nor denies any ownership ties to his brother Kenneth Gatchalian and leaves the investigation to LTO.

The LTO is investigating who fabricated the number '7' protocol plate used by the SUV during its unauthorized use of the EDSA busway.