MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang disagrees with the move to grant immunity to congressmen for minor traffic violations.

On Tuesday, September 19, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said that if President Rodrigo Duterte himself waves off special privileges, his allies in Congress should do the same.

“The President himself continues to observe a modest lifestye and he seeks no special treatment, whether inside or outside the Palace. We hope our colleagues in Congress, especially our allies, can bring themselves to do the same,” he said during a Malacañang news briefing.

It was House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas who asked transportation agencies during a committee hearing if leeway can be given to representatives who commit minor traffic violations on their way to Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City to attend a session.

House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez would then bring the erring congressman to authorities after the session, suggested the lawmaker.

But Abella said traffic laws do not exempt anyone.

“Law is law and it shoud be blind to all,” he said.

But not all lawmakers agree with Fariñas’ suggestion. 

Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman of the opposition said the move “sends the wrong message.”

Duterte’s spokesman said hopes representatives “can also bring themselves to the President’s standards” and that there should be “no special treatment”.

President Duterte has himself expressed outrage over special car plates given to public officials and over the use of sirens or “wang-wang“.

He also claimed he avoids attending engagements in Metro Manila outside Malacañang because of the traffic caused by his convoy’s use of roads. – Rappler.com