Road rage case: Senate to shed light on ex-cop profile, cyclist safety in probe
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Tuesday began its investigation into the viral road rage case in Quezon City involving a cyclist and a former police officer.
On August 8, an angry ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales brandished and cocked a handgun at a cyclist near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City.
On the other hand, Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s privilege speech prompted the panel’s inquiry during a plenary session last August 29, and several resolutions were filed seeking an inquiry into the incident.
One of the resolutions was filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
In his privilege speech, Estrada said the culture of impunity, especially on public roads, must not be accepted.
Estrada also insinuated that the Quezon City Police District appeared supportive of Gonzales, given its decision to host a press conference for the driver.
A hearing brief from the upper chamber states that the investigation will cover the following points for discussion:
- What really transpired during the road rage incident on August 8
- Gonzales’ profile
- Review of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- Bike-related bills
- Safety of bike lanes and roads
- Creation of an Anti-Road Rage Law
- Culture of police impunity
- Ineffective filter system of the PNP
