Mc Richard Paglicawan
Retired Quezon City Policeman has announced the resolution of a road rage incident that occurred on August 8, 2023, near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.
Gonzales addressed the press on August 27, 2023, at Camp Karingal, Quezon City, acknowledging his wrongdoing and urging social media users to act responsibly when sharing videos of such incidents. He expressed concern for his family, who have faced a backlash.
However, the cyclist involved in the incident, represented by lawyer Raymond Fortun, has indicated that the matter is far from over. Fortun has been in communication with the cyclist, whose identity is being kept confidential for security reasons.
According to Fortun, the cyclist was taken to a police station by Gonzales, where he was allegedly pressured into signing an agreement taking responsibility for the incident. The cyclist was also reportedly forced to pay PHP500 for damages to Gonzales’ car.
Fortun revealed that the cyclist is apprehensive about his safety, suspecting that he might be targeted by police officers posing as “riding in tandem” killers if he proceeds with legal action.
While the victim may not pursue a criminal case, Fortun has outlined a series of steps he plans to take:
- Complaint with the Land Transportation Office (LTO): Fortun intends to file a complaint with the LTO to suspend or revoke Wilfredo Gonzales’ driver’s license due to reckless driving that endangered the cyclist’s life.
- Complaint with the Firearms and License Office: Fortun also plans to file a complaint with the Firearms and License Office at Camp Crame to revoke all gun licenses issued to Mr. Gonzales and his family members, some of whom are reportedly police officers.
- Complaint for Conduct Unbecoming of a Public Official: If Gonzales maintains any government affiliations, Fortun intends to file a complaint under R.A. 6713 for conduct unbecoming of a public official. Fortun also plans to provide a copy of the video to the Senate President and the Speaker of the House for potential congressional investigation.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has taken action by launching an investigation and issuing a Show Cause Order for Gonzales. They emphasize the importance of due process and encourage netizens to tag LTO’s official Facebook page in posts related to traffic violations and road safety rules to enable them to address abusive motorists promptly.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II has acknowledged the critical role played by netizens in expediting their response and called on the public to help make roads safer by reporting abusive motorists.
Mendoza’s statements appear to be in contrast to Gonzales’ call for vloggers to exercise responsibility when sharing videos of such incidents on social media.
