News update P-Noy apologizes for being late

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III apologized on Friday for arriving nearly an hour late for the military turnover rites in Camp Aguinaldo and promised to "perfect" his punctuality in future official engagements. But his long convoy of security escorts is still prohibited from using vehicle sirens whenever the President goes out of the Palace. Aquino reaffimed his commitment to use his private vehicle without the blaring sirens on Manila's congested roads even though he is allowed by law to use them. The Chief Executive, aboard his white Toyota Land Cruiser with plate number 1, was 40 minutes late for the 10 a.m. assumption to command of AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen.

Ricardo David in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City due to heavy traffic. His convoy got stuck in traffic en route to the military camp since it opted not to use vehicle sirens and instead stopped for red lights. When heavy traffic stopped the vehicle, the President's security detail jumped out of their vehicles to secure the presidential car. "I think this is the first time I've been late. Syempre nag-a-adjust rin kami dun sa lumaki yung convoy namin at may traffic (Of course we are adjusting to growing convoy and traffic) I apologize for being late. We will perfect it," Aquino said in an ambush interview with reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Aquino maintained his no-sirens policy for all motor vehicles except for the country's five top leaders and ambulances and other emergency vehicles used by the police and firemen. "Only five are authorized with the exception of emergency vehicles. I want to remind everyone that there is a law on that," he added. Asked he wasn't using the official presidential car, a black Mercedes Benz S-Class, in his road trips, the President said: "I find more comfort riding my own vehicle. I think resources of the state should be used sparingly." On his first few days in office, Aquino admitted there were many changes in his life, including having a longer convoy of security vehicles.

His office at the Palace, he added, will only be ready by next week. Asked when he intends to move into the Palace, he said: "I was given an estimate of about a month. They are still checking because Pasig River tends to overflow." The President will continue to follow traffic rules like ordinary motorists and will not use his sirens to clear traffic, according to Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda. Lacierda, speaking to reporters in the Palace, said the President intends to "lead by example" and abide by the country's laws. President's example rubs off on solons The President's example may be rubbing off on members of the House of Representatives. Two days after President Aquino banned the use of "wang-wang" or sirens on highways, congressmen urged fellow legislators to comply with the order.

Marikina City Rep. Marcelino Teodoro said legislators should be the role models of the Filipinos, saying that banning government officials from using sirens should be implemented with strictness and urgency. "If the President submits to non-use of wang-wang and other special privileges in traffic situations, who are we to go beyond it? We are lawmakers and not law breakers," Teodoro said. "We must all accept the call of the highest official of the land to avoid untoward abuse of authority. No one is above the law. If a legislator cannot observe simple traffic rules, how much more can one create laws?" he added.

While praising President Aquino for showing an admirable gesture in following traffic rules, the lawmaker also condemned the illegal use of protocol plates such as the "8," which are only issued to congressmen. "It maybe better if the government strengthen the law enforcement agencies that implement the law against the illegal use of special plates and wang-wang," Teodoro said. Gabriela Women's Party Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan, who swore she has never used sirens, said that this should negate the impression that congressmen are special people. Saying that she only used the special plate no. 8 on her official trips as congresswoman, Ilagan expected the President Aquino's move to help eradicate abusive and arrogant behavior among government officials.

"Only during emergencies should the 'wang-wang' be used and the number 8 car plates should not be seen in nightclubs and similar establishments," Ilagan said. Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares said he has no problem with the banning of the use of sirens because it is not his habit to use one. "I have no problem with the number 8 car plate because it has not been my practice to use it," Colmenares added. On Friday, Philippine National Police Highway Patrol group stopped several vehicles including that of former Quezon City Rep. Annie Suzano for using sirens, blinkers, and dome lights. (Rio Rose Ribaya)