MANILA: A Philippine motorist who tried to overtake President Benigno Aquino’s convoy was arrested early Thursday, officials said, in the second such incident in traffic-choked Manila in less than three months. Pharmaceuticals salesman Mark Hanopol, 24, failed an alcohol breath test after his car was pulled over by police for a “reckless” driving maneuver as the presidential convoy passed, Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
“At no time was the safety of the president in danger but he (Hanopol) was driving recklessly,” Lacierda told reporters. The incident occurred on a street near Malacanang palace shortly after midnight as Aquino left his office after working late to attend a dinner, he added. A Manila police report said Hanopol refused to yield to the president’s entourage as required by law, and even tried to pass Aquino’s vehicle.
The case has been handed over to government prosecutors who will decide whether to press charges, Lacierda said. In July Manila policeman Ricardo Pascua was arrested after he tried to cut in front of Aquino’s vehicle with his van. He was later dismissed from the service.
Aquino, in a show of modesty and solidarity with Manila motorists who have to endure horrendous traffic, previously ordered his presidential convoys not to use sirens to warn other vehicles to move out of the way.
