MANILA – Transport authorities are readying sanctions against former beauty queen Maria Isabel Lopez, who removed orange cone barriers installed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to set apart the ASEAN Lanes, and then bragged about her infraction.
According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s Atty. Aileen Lizada, the MMDA has consulted the LTFRB and appropriate measures will be meted out on Lopez.
The ASEAN Lanes were installed to ensure the speedy trips – and more crucially, the safety – of world leaders and delegates attending the 31st ASEAN and Related Summits.
“MMDA spox per called to consult. I told her we will inform LTO for suspension or cancellation of her drivers license she is not a good role model as a beauty queen,” Lizada said in a text message to reporters.
Meanwhile, many netizens were outraged by the actress’s stunt, especially since thousands of them had endured on average four hours navigating EDSA, where two lanes were closed off for the ASEAN delegates.
In her Instagram account, Lopez said she removed the cones in a segment of the ASEAN lanes and passed through the restricted lanes even though she is not accredited. She said other people who did not see her remove the orange cones apparently presumed she was accredited to use the special lanes.
