MMDA, LTFRB want to revoke Maria Isabel Lopez's license

MANILA, Philippines — Actress and former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez is now facing possible cancellation or suspension of her driver’s license following a breach of Association of the Southeast Asian Nation Summit’s traffic protocol.

In a statement, Metro Manila Development Authority spokesperson Celine Pialgo said the MMDA and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is mulling recommending revoking or suspending the license of Lopez.

“It's a serious breach of security. MMDA and LTFRB will now recommend to the LTO the suspension or cancellation of the driver's license of Ma. Isabel Lopez,” Pialgo said.

The traffic authorities’ statement came after Lopez took to Instagram to share that she drove with hazards “on” at the designated ASEAN lane. She also said she removed the divider cones for the said lanes.

The actress also posted a video of showing how she got away with her act saying the MMDA thought she was an ASEAN delegate. "ASEAN lane here I come," she said while yelling of joy in the video.

Lopez’s social media post caught the netizens’ attention and earned several criticisms.

It can be recalled that commuters on Saturday complained about the heavy traffic along major roads due to the arrival of ASEAN delegates in Metro Manila.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government implemented a lockdown which would affect some roads during the conduct of the ASEAN summit.

READ: Thousands stuck in sea of vehicles as world leaders arrive for ASEAN | LIST: Lockdown schedules, road closures for ASEAN Summit

Meanwhile Technical Group Commander on Route Security Police Director Oscar Albayalde said his group “strongly support the suspension or revocation of Lopez’s driver’s license for violation of traffic rules and breach of security.

“A person of her stature should be an example to the Filipino community but she did just the contrary. May this incident serve as a stern warning and reminder to the  public that all agencies are communicating and are all working hard to provide security and order for the ASEAN summit,” Albayalde also the National Capital Region Police Office Regional Director said.

“Any violations on the protocols and rules set forth by the ASEAN Task Forces shall not be tolerated,” he added.

Lopez reportedly said she would issue an apology following the incident.