MANILA, Philippines - Vice-President Jejomar Binay apologized to the public after his convoy beat a red light on Monday despite President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's call for government officials not to abuse their power by strictly following traffic rules.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Binay's spokesman, Joey Salgado, blamed Binay's security escorts for the incident.

The convoy beat the red light on Araneta Avenue in Quezon City on Monday morning. Binay had just come from a meeting with former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona and was returning to the Office of the Vice President in Pasay City.

Salgado said Binay apologizes to all motorists who were "inconvenienced" because of the incident. He said Binay has reminded his security escorts to strictly follow traffic rules.

Binay's spokesman added that the vice-president's head of security, Ferdinand Fraginal, also reprimanded the escorts for beating the red light.

Asked for comment on Binay convoy's beating the red light, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said he’d rather let the vice-president address the issue.

In his inaugural speech, President Aquino assured the public that there will be no abusive public officials under his administration.

He also said public officials should stop using sirens and blinkers and follow traffic rules.

Binay has said that public officials should still be allowed to use sirens and blinkers during emergencies, including during incidents of fire in their respective localities.

President Aquino has waived his right to use sirens and blinkers. His presidential convoy also follows traffic lights despite the security risks.

Aquino has urged the vice president, Senate president, House speaker and chief justice to join him in waiving their right to use sirens and blinkers.

Under Presidential Decree 96, only motor vehicles designated for the use of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Bureau of Investigation, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and hospital ambulances can be fitted with sirens, bells, horns or similar gadgets.