By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Win Gatchalian on Friday (08 Nov 2024) clarified to the media that he did not lend his license plate number to anyone.

The senator made the statement after his name got entangled in the controversial EDSA busway incident wherein an SUV, bearing a number seven (7) license plate that is reserved for senators, used the exclusive lane for commuter buses.

“I never lent out my official-issued license plates to anyone. The official license plate [that] is installed on my car is duly registered with the LTO,” Gatchalian told reporters.

The senator’s office initially denied that Gatchalian owned the license plate.

The lawmaker is also said to have no relationship with the Orient Pacific Corporation, which was first reported to have registered the SUV.

“Senator Gatchalian was not involved in the incident at the EDSA busway in Guadalupe and was not inside the vehicle when it occurred,” his office said.

“The senator does not own the Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle is registered under Orient Pacific Corporation. Furthermore, Senator Gatchalian has no connection to Orient Pacific Corporation whatsoever,” it added.

ia/mnm