Senate Hearing on Road Rage Incident involving Wilfredo Gonzales and the Cyclist he had Struck during altercation

 📹 Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Live Streaming Video | September 05, 2023

In a recent development, fired police officer Wilfredo Gonzales showed up at a Senate hearing where he repeatedly apologized for his role in a violent road incident. The incident, which happened last month, became well-known after a video went viral showing Gonzales hitting cyclist Allan Bandiola in the head and pointing a gun.

Gonzales apologized for his behavior at the Senate session presided over by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, but he also put the blame on Bandiola, saying the rider had provoked him. "I'm asking for forgiveness for not being able to control myself from punching him," Gonzales said in Filipino. "I could not take that he hit my car and had a dirty finger in my face."

Gonzales went on to discuss the personal toll the incident had on him, mentioning the loss of his employment, the ensuing internet harassment, and the impact it had on his family.

The hearing was set up by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs in response to resolutions submitted by a number of senators, which addressed both the event involving Bandiola and Gonzales and the more general problem of vehicle harassment of cyclists

In an unexpected turn of events, Bandiola testified before Gonzales and said, "I have forgiven him. I have nothing against him in my heart." Bandiola explained that he was cycling in the designated lane along Quezon Avenue when Gonzales' car encroached into his path. He claimed that he tapped Gonzales' car to grab his attention and ask him to move to the designated lane.

Contrary to Gonzales' claim that Bandiola had worn a glove with hard plastic knuckles to strike his car, Sen. dela Rosa showed photos from the viral video showing Bandiola's bare hands.

Dela Rosa stated that they continue to discuss suitable punishments for offenders of road rage, which may include life in jail. He stressed the possibility that the Senate's probe could prevent other instances of road rage.

The proposal of a special law was put out by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who would permit the government to investigate complaints against alleged perpetrators of road rage even if the victim decides not to press charges.

Gonzales' driver's license and firearm licenses and permits have been suspended as a result of the event, according to the Land Transportation Office and the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office.

Gonzales' driver's license and firearm licenses and permits have been suspended as a result of the event, according to the Land Transportation Office and the Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Office.

Mayor Joy Belmonte has urged the new QCPD leadership to give human rights, justice, and equal treatment for every citizen of Quezon City priority. The incident has spurred requests for a fair and unbiased investigation.

It is obvious that this event has brought up significant issues regarding road rage, its effects, and the demand for thorough legal reforms.