Lifetime driving ban for Maserati owner sought

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker yesterday sought a lifetime driving ban for Joseph Russell Ingco, the driver of a Maserati Ghibli, who allegedly assaulted a traffic enforcer on Nov. 27.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, chairman of the House committee on Metro Manila development, urged concerned agencies to “impose a perpetual ban on Ingco to serve as a lesson for hot-tempered motorists to refrain from unnecessarily venting their ire on traffic enforcers.”

“We have to teach a lesson to those irrational people on wheels. We have to keep our streets safe from these people,” the senior administration lawmaker said.

He also urged Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino to impose the punishment because Ingco “deserves it anyway,” and called on all traffic enforcers to maintain their vigilance against “monsters on wheels.”

Ingco roughed up MMDA traffic constable Jorbe Adriatico during an argument on the road in Quezon City. He reportedly dragged Adriatico meters down the road.

Ingco claimed self-defense when he assaulted the traffic officer and refused to submit himself to an investigation. Ingco’s lawyer also warned that his client would file countercharges against Adriatico.

Tolentino said Adriatico’s accounts were spontaneous and noted that Adriatico has to undergo surgery whereas Ingco’s face has no bruises. – With Delon Porcalla