The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Wednesday that Task Force Special Operations chief Bong Nebrija will be placed under preventive suspension starting Thursday.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes made the revelation during a press conference at the Senate, shedding light on the controversy surrounding Nebrija’s claim of a bus lane violation by Senator Bong Revilla.

Artes emphasized the decision’s urgency, stating, “The decision and we discussed it kanina, we will suspend Col. Nebrija pending the investigation sa nangyari.”

This development comes after Nebrija reported that Senator Revilla’s convoy was apprehended for using the EDSA bus lane.

However, the senator vehemently denied the incident, asserting, “There is absolutely no truth to the malicious report that I was apprehended using the EDSA carousel busway.”

Artes clarified that Nebrija’s suspension is not a punitive measure but rather a procedural step to ensure an impartial investigation into the matter. “The suspension may take 15 to 30 days as we need to fully investigate the matter,” he explained.

The investigation will scrutinize the actions of on-site enforcers and the driver who identified Revilla, among other aspects. Artes mentioned the intention to review CCTV footage to identify the involved vehicle, enabling the filing of a complaint with the Land Transportation Office.

Accepting the decision, Nebrija, as the commander of the task force, stated, “As the commander of the task force, the buck ends with me. I accept the responsibility.”

Senator Revilla, who already accepted Nebrija’s apology, expressed during the press conference, “Sa dami na ng mga pinagdaanan ko sa buhay, ayaw ko nang mangyari ang maling paratang. It’s already done, and I accept your apology.”

Simultaneously, Nebrija shed light on the current guidelines, noting that only public utility buses, emergency vehicles, and five high-ranking government officials have permission to use the EDSA bus lane.

Discussions are ongoing regarding potential inclusion of Cabinet secretaries, senators, and congressmen, which may significantly impact traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Artes revealed that the Metro Manila Council is awaiting signatures on approved guidelines for MMDA enforcers’ use of body cameras.

In the aftermath of the controversy, online sentiments were divided, with some supporting Nebrija and others questioning Senator Revilla’s credibility. User Rommer Lopez posted, “Nebrija was fed with the wrong info and he apologized. Bong Revilla was ordered to return money he stole. Nag apologize ka na ba?”

“We stand on Colonel Edison Nebrija as a Traffic Enforcer and I salute him for his tremendous service and collective actions to motorists and commuters alike in order to kickout corrupt politician Bong Revilla’s reelection in the Senate. Huwag iboto si Revilla sa Senado please,” another netizen on X posted. 

“Nakakainit ng ulo, nakakapikon! Sinabi ni Sen. Bong Revilla Jr na ginising siya ng staff para sabihing nahuli daw siyang dumaan sa EDSA busway,” another netizen named Reymund Tinaza commented. 

“Ginawa niyo ng pbb teens. Paka basura ni bong revilla ano pa bang isasalba mo sa pangalan mo e magnanakaw ka nga. Magnanakaw na feeling vip,” said another X user. 

As the suspension unfolds, the investigation is expected to provide clarity on the EDSA bus lane incident, shaping the narrative around Nebrija and Senator Revilla’s involvement.