Senator Lacson urges increased inspection against fake ambulance runs

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson called for increased random inspection of ambulances to crack down on fake emergency runs, particularly during rush hours.

Lacson warned that these vehicles, blaring sirens despite carrying no emergency patients, are not only disruptive but also pose serious risks to motorists and commuters.

"More random checks on siren-blaring 'ambulances', especially during rush hours, should be conducted. Drivers of vehicles with no emergency patients must be apprehended, their licenses revoked and charged, if warranted. Aside from (being) annoying, they can be traffic hazards," he said on X.

His statement followed an incident in which the Department of Transportation Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DoTr-SAICT) apprehended an ambulance traveling along the EDSA Busway near the MRT Santolan station.

Authorities found that the vehicle was not responding to an emergency but was instead being used as a shuttle service transporting passengers to a hospital for medical checkups.

Last year, Lacson also proposed reversing the direction of buses along the EDSA Busway to deter unauthorized vehicles from using the lane, especially during peak traffic periods.

He said this should be complemented by proper infrastructure that would allow commuters to disembark at the center island rather than along the highway, reducing the risk of accidents, given that bus doors are positioned on the right side.

Lacson said the move would help eliminate opportunities for abuse, as no driver would risk a head-on collision.

The EDSA Busway is a dedicated bus lane designed to provide commuters with a safe, efficient, and reliable public transportation.