Mayor Belmonte: Cop who stopped traffic for ‘VIP’ in QC gets job back

MANILA, Philippines — The cop who was relieved after being blamed for a traffic jam on a major road due to a convoy of a certain VIP has been reinstated, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Tuesday.

The controversy stemmed from a viral video posted by former Bayan Muna solon Teddy Casiño showing Executive Master Sergeant Verdo Pantollano stopping traffic for a VIP in Commonwealth Ave. corner Tandang Sora Ave.

In the video, it was alleged that the VIP referred to Vice President Sara Duterte, which her camp vehemently denied, saying that the official had been in Mindanao since October 4.

READ: ‘VP Sara in Mindanao, not behind QC road closure’

Belmonte said Quezon City Police District Director Police Brigadier General Rederico Maranan ordered the reinstatement of Pantollano.

“Last October 9, I strongly urged Gen. Maranan to reinstate relieved cop Pantollano following the clarification made by MMDA Chairman Rolando Artes that interrupting traffic flow as a courtesy to VIPs is normal practice,” Belmonte said in a statement.

Belmonte said that Pantollano should not be blamed for simply doing his job.

“I felt that an injustice was committed against Pantollano when he was relieved for simply doing his job,” she said.

“We promote fairness and justice in our city and ensure that no one will bear the burden for something that is not their fault,” she added.

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