Sen. Joel Villanueva during one of the Senate hearings. FILE PHOTO / Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — It was puzzling for Sen. Joel Villanueva why the now viral SUV issue involving a protocol plate 7 has taken national attention.

Speaking to reporters in a press conference on Thursday, Villanueva said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) should just do its part in relation to the matter.

The incident he’s talking about involved a driver and a VIP passenger of a vehicle with a 7 protocol license plate. The driver of the SUV allegedly tried to run over a lady traffic enforcer when accosted in Guadalupe, Makati City.

“I hope that this will not be a big thing. I just find it, sorry ah, I just find it weird na it’s a national news and the LTO should just do their part,” said Villanueva.

“Let’s just all be responsible [and] do the right thing,” he added.

In the same interview, he said he never allowed, nor he ever will allow, any of his family members to use his vehicle bearing a protocol plate 7 — a plate number especially issued to senators.

“For the record, I never or ever will allow any of my family, relatives, wife, anak whatsoever [to use it]. Mahigpit kami riyan, so much responsibility,” said Villanueva.

“I don’t believe na pwede, that’s what I believe. Kahit pa sabihin mong pwede, kahit pa sabihin ng LTO na pwede,” said Villanueva.

READ: Gatchalian on SUV traffic violation issue: Leave it to the LTO

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s father and brother are being linked to the SUV issue. Gatchalian, when he was pressed to comment on the matter on Thursday, opted not to comment on his family’s alleged involvement and just told reporters to leave the matter to the LTO.

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