US diplomat ticketed for EDSA Busway violation, passenger accuses enforcers of spying

An American driver with diplomatic plates from the US Embassy was issued a ticket for using the EDSA Busway on Friday morning.

During the incident, a passenger in the vehicle accused traffic enforcers of potentially selling passport photos to 'Chinese spies,' prompting dismay from the Chinese Embassy.

The DOTr-SAICT reported that the 22-year-old driver failed to present a valid license and showed his passport instead, leading to an altercation with traffic enforcers.

Despite the tension, the driver received a Temporary Operator's Permit for violating traffic regulations.

Both the US and Chinese Embassies have responded to the incident; the former reiterated instructions for staff compliance with local laws while the latter expressed concern over baseless accusations.

Data from DOTr-SAICT shows that 518 vehicles were fined in 2024 for using the EDSA Busway illegally, resulting in P189 million in collected fines.