JV Ejercito exposes 10 past charges against ex-cop in viral road rage incident
September 05, 2023
Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito revealed
on Tuesday that the former police officer involved in the viral gun-toting
incident had a history of 10 previous charges as well as incident reports from
his barangay.
The cases include obstruction, perjury,
robbery, frustrated homicide, grave and light threats, coercion and violation
of Presidential Decree No. 1866.
During the public hearing of the Senate
Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday, Ejercito questioned
how Wilfredo Gonzales acquired a permit to carry firearms from the Philippine
National Police (PNP) despite having “anger management issues” and a history of
multiple cases in his barangay.
“Base sa mga impormasyon na nakalap natin,
mukhang may anger management problem itong si dating pulis na si Wilfredo
Gonzales. Ang dami ho niyang kaso doon po sa barangay kung saan siya nakatira,”
Ejercito disclosed.
“Paano ho makakapasa itong si Mr. Gonzales?”
he reiterated.
The lawmaker from San Juan emphasized the
importance of the PNP Firearms and Explosive Office evaluating the anger
management of individuals seeking firearm permits.
“When you're granted a license to carry
firearms or own firearms, especially a permit to carry firearms outside of
residence, there should be a psychological test and neuro test. They [PNP]
should check for anger management,” he said.
“Importante kasi ito because we have to find
out kung ano ‘yung proseso ng PNP at kung bakit nakakalusot?” he pointed out.
Last week, Ejercito filed a resolution seeking
to investigate the road rage incident that occurred last August involving a
cyclist and a dismissed police officer, wherein the latter assaulted and held
the former at gunpoint.
The investigation aims to assess and review
the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations in safeguarding and ensuring
safe road usage for all, the resolution read.
Ejercito believes that it is imperative to
determine the necessity of crafting legislation to prevent road rage as well as
to protect civilians using public roads against violence.
Ejercito also reminded the public to be extra
patient when riding or driving in the metropolis.
“Noong nagsimula akong magbisikleta at
mag-motor, naiintidihan ko na po na kapag nakakakita ako nang nagbibisikleta o
nagmomotor na nagde-deliver, lahat po ‘yan may pinagdadaanan, lahat po ‘yan may
challenges sa kalye,” the lawmaker said.
“We have to accept na hindi pa talaga safe ang
ating pathways,” he added.