DOTr security, driver punched motorist?

MANILA, Philippines — A driver and security escort of Department of Transportation undersecretary Ricky Alfonso were accused of physically assaulting a motorist during a traffic altercation in Quezon City on Wednesday.

A video that went viral on social media platforms showed Alfonso pacifying an argument between a driver of an Isuzu multicab and his driver and security escort along Katipunan Avenue.

In the video, one of Alfonso’s companions was overheard threatening the multicab driver, warning the victim that his driver’s license will be compromised. The companion claimed that the multicab driver was weaving through traffic, putting at risk the VIP in their vehicle, referring to Alfonso.

The driver stood his ground in the presence of two Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcers, saying he was punched by one of Alfonso’s companions.

“Bakit niyo ako sinaktan? Sinaktan niyo ako (Why did you hurt me? You hurt me),” the multicab driver said.

Also catching the attention of netizens was the protocol license plate 10 used in Alfonso’s Lexus sport utility vehicle.

Under DOTr guidelines, only the presiding justices of the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, Sandiganbayan and the solicitor general are allowed to use protocol plate 10.

An investigation report from Anonas Police Station 9 showed that Alfonso’s vehicle is registered to a holding company in Barangay Dasmariñas in Makati City. Police are coordinating with the company to find how the vehicle ended up with Alfonso.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said he talked with Alfonso about the incident.

“He fired his driver and asked for forgiveness. He said he alighted from his vehicle basically to pacify the incident,” Lopez said.

Lopez ordered the DOTr legal department to reach out to the victim and provide assistance.