Lawyer nabbed at Makati checkpoint

MANILA, Philippines — A lawyer was arrested at a checkpoint along Osmeña Highway in Magallanes, Makati City yesterday morning for allegedly using the fast lane without authorization.

Ramon Guerrero, 53, reportedly tried to escape when he was accosted at the checkpoint near a gas station at around 10 a.m.

Police said Guerrero was driving his black Mercedes Benz along the highway’s fast lane when he was flagged down.

Guerrero is not a medical frontliner and failed to present a government rapid pass that would warrant his use of the fast lane, police said.

“Aabalahin mo pa ba ako sa simpleng bagay na iyan (You would inconvenience me over this simple matter)?” he reportedly told police officers who flagged him down.

The lawmen directed him to the checkpoint’s post for verification, but the lawyer – who failed to present a driver’s license when asked – allegedly tried to escape.

He was arrested on the charge of violating Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code or resistance and disobedience to a person in authority.

Guerrero was brought to a health center for medical examination and referred to an investigator for the filing of charges.