A video grab shows a Toyota FJ Cruiser that was featured on a social media viral video of an alleged road rage incident in Quezon City. A similar vehicle was involved in another viral road rage video in Pampanga. SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO SCREENGRAB
The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of the Philippine National Police’s has found in Novaliches, Quezon City, the sport utility vehicle (SUV) that road rage suspect, Jojo Serafico Valerio, was driving in Pampanga on Nov. 11.
Senior Supt. Roberto Fajardo, PNP-HPG director, said on Thursday that his office had asked a court for permission to impound the black Toyota FJ Cruiser, which sports the No. 8 protocol plate at the front and rear, as evidence against Valerio.
The suspect has been accused of assaulting Jesusito Palma, a 26-year-old nurse, in a road rage incident.
Palma told the police he might have angered Valerio when he drove past the suspect at Barangay Balibago in Angeles City. Valerio was driving a Starex van when the police arrested him in Tarlac City on Nov. 13.
Suspect charged
Angeles City Prosecutor Oliver Garcia charged Valerio with less serious physical injury and a traffic violation. Each offense carries a bail of P2,000 which the court has yet to approve.
The Angeles City police have yet to file an additional case against Valerio, who said he was a singer, for hiding the vehicle.
Valerio, who is detained at Angeles City police station 4, has not named the lawmaker who owns the vehicle bearing the No. 8 plates.
The 17th Congress has no member with the surname of Serafico or Valerio. The 16th Congress, however, had two members whose last names were Bravo. Valerio’s partner identified herself to reporters as Eza Bravo.
Executive Order No. 400, signed in 2005 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, entitled representatives to four pairs of No. 8 plates.
Recall of plates ordered
In August 2016, then Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez ordered the recall of the plates issued to lawmakers during the 16th Congress (2013 to 2016).
During a session on Tuesday, House Majority Leader Rolando Andaya Jr. urged those still in possession of the protocol plates to return these as soon as possible.
“We have received reports that certain vehicles with protocol plate No. 8 have been spotted in indecent places or figured in crime-related activities. In view of this development, [House Speaker Arroyo] has given instructions for the immediate recall of all protocol plates issued during the 16th Congress and earlier. Kindly return these car plates to the office of the [House’s] Secretary-General for proper acknowledgment,” he said. —TONETTE OREJAS, WITH A REPORT BY JEROME ANING
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