By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
A motorcycle rider claiming to be an aide of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda is facing a complaint for unjust vexation after allegedly challenging a traffic enforcer to a fistfight.
Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) head Uldarico Garbanzos said the incident took place during a routine traffic stop along JM Basa Street on Tuesday, April 8.
The traffic aide flagged down the man for wearing a non-prescribed helmet and for allowing his passenger to ride without any head protection.
Both violations are clearly stated under the city’s traffic safety ordinances.
Garbanzos said the rider reacted aggressively, verbally confronted the traffic officer, and claimed he was a “tinawo,” or close associate, of Rep. Baronda.
The rider and his companion were reportedly en route to distribute campaign posters for Team Sulong Gugma, the political slate of the congresswoman.
Garbanzos added that the man escalated the situation by daring the traffic aide to a fistfight.
He also confirmed that this was not the first time the same driver was apprehended for a similar offense.
In both instances, the rider allegedly invoked his supposed connection to the congresswoman.
Despite efforts to resolve the issue on-site, the traffic officer filed a formal complaint for unjust vexation under Article 287, paragraph 2 of the Revised Penal Code.
Garbanzos assured that his office is supporting the traffic personnel involved and condemned any form of intimidation against on-duty enforcers.
“Our guidance is that once they are discriminated against on duty and they are doing the right thing in their jobs, we will support them, and this is not the first time that we filed a case,” he said.
“There was even a case with conviction,” Garbanzos added.
The rider is currently detained at Iloilo City Police Station 1 pending the outcome of the complaint.
Team Sulong Gugma spokesperson Atty. John Mallare said they are verifying the driver’s alleged link to Rep. Baronda and his involvement in the incident.
“We are currently in the process of verifying the accuracy of the information/allegations,” Mallare said.
“We do not condone any action that would violate or undermine our laws and ordinances,” he added.
“We have always advocated strict compliance to laws,” Mallare emphasized.
