(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — The Senate is now poised to investigate the recent road rage case in Quezon City involving a former police officer. Senator Jinggoy Estrada brought the issue before the upper chamber through a personal and collective speech on Tuesday on the Senate floor.
“Ako po’y nababahala dito sa mga ganitong uri ng sitwasyon na nagyayari po dito sa ating bansa,” Estrada said.
(I am concerned about these situations happening in our country.)
Estrada was referring to the incident last August 8 where the former police officer, Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales was caught on video brandishing a pistol at a cyclist after an altercation.
Because of the incident, Estrada saw the need to give more protection to cyclists and motorists.
“At iminumungkahi ko po at inaasahan ko po na itong ating Senado ay mabigyan ng karapatang hearing at maimbestigahan po ang pangyayaring ito,” he said.
(I am suggesting and hoping that our Senate hold a hearing and investigate this incident.)
“We must not accept this culture of impunity to continue, especially on our public roads. Clearly, Mr. Gonzales is a danger to the cycling, commuting, or riding public,” the senator stressed.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri agreed there is a need “to prohibit this type [of] road rage in our society.”
“I’m sure araw-araw may ganitong klaseng road rage and we should teach these people a lesson kung ano pa ang pwedng isampa na kaso sa kanila,” Zubiri said.
(I’m sure there’s this kind of road rage every day, and we should teach these people a lesson by filing the appropriate charges against them.)
Estrada’s speech was later referred to the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs headed by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.