A U.S. Embassy vehicle with diplomatic plates was ticketed on Friday morning for illegally using the EDSA Busway along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.

The driver, an American, failed to present a valid license and instead showed his diplomatic passport, according to the Department of Transportation – Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT).

Tensions flared when a passenger, also an American, intervened, claiming it was illegal for enforcers to photograph the passport and demanding the image be deleted. In a video posted by DOTr-SAICT on social media, the passenger urged officers to contact a high-ranking police official to resolve the issue.

“We’re going to have to report this to the U.S. Embassy—he’s trying to steal diplomatic property,” the passenger said. “I don’t want the U.S. involved, but his threat, which is hostile and illegal to confiscate diplomatic passport, is a violation of international law.”

He added, “You can escort us to Camp Crame and speak with the general directly… or we can settle it right now if you just speak to the General on the phone.”

The U.S. Embassy confirmed the individuals involved are part of its community and reiterated that all staff are instructed to obey Philippine laws, including traffic regulations.

The EDSA Busway is restricted to authorized vehicles, including convoys of top government officials—such as the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice—as well as emergency vehicles.

The passenger also raised concerns about the potential misuse of the passport photo, suggesting it could be sold to foreign entities. “He could sell the picture of the passport to Chinese spies, who we’re trying to help arrest,” the passenger said. “How do we know he’s not going to do that? (This could) cause a problem between the U.S., the Philippines, the Chinese.”

Despite the passenger’s objections, the driver was issued a citation. The DOTr-SAICT maintained that enforcement actions were lawful, emphasizing that all drivers, including diplomats, must follow local traffic rules.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has expressed concern over reports of the incident, stating, “(We) are deeply shocked and concerned about the relevant baseless accusations against China and the so-called ‘Chinese spy’ narrative. We would like to learn the final results of the investigation by (Philippine) law enforcement authority,” the embassy said.