Roundup 30 August 2023 News
Aug 30, 2023 • 4 min Read
QCPD chief resigns amid backlash over presscon with ex-cop in road rage incident | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The director of the Quezon City Police District resigned from his post Wednesday following criticism for a press conference he conducted with a gun-toting former policeman who was involved in a road rage incident.
Brig. General Nicolas Torre III told his superiors he was resigning as the head of the QCPD, The STAR reported.
In an interview with DWPM’s Teleradyo Serbisyo Wednesday morning, Torre said he is “seriously considering getting out of Quezon City to give way to an impartial investigation.”
Torre was criticized for allowing dismissed cop Wilfredo Gonzales to speak at a press conference at Camp Karingal Sunday afternoon. Gonzales was caught on video assaulting a cyclist and threatening the biker by drawing his firearm.
“I really regret that press conference. I really apologize to the Filipino people for those actions,” Torre said. He earlier said that he arranged a press conference to give journalists an opportunity to talk with Gonzales.
The QCPD earlier filed a complaint of alarm and scandal against Gonzales for the incident, which happened along Quezon Avenue last August 8.
Lawmakers seek probe into road rage incident involving dismissed cop | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives have filed separate resolutions calling for a probe into the viral road rage incident in Quezon City involving a dismissed cop.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senator Pia Cayetano filed Senate Resolution No. 763 on Tuesday, which described the incident as a “serious case involving public order and safety, which cannot simply be settled amicably and swept under the rug.”
Meanwhile, representatives of 1Rider Partylist filed on Wednesday House Resolution 1231, which states that the actions of the infamous motorist, in which he attempted to intimidate a motorcycle rider by brandishing a firearm, was not an “isolated incident.”
“There are other individuals in the government who abuse their authority and privilege of owning and carrying firearms in public,” the House resolution read.
Full Story at: Lawmakers seek probe into road rage incident involving dismissed cop | Philstar.com
Rethink new travel rules – biz, commuter groups | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The influential Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has joined the growing clamor to immediately suspend the implementation of new travel rules issued by the government’s antitrafficking council, on grounds that the latest policy is just too burdensome for the traveling public.
George Barcelon, president of the country’s largest business organization, described the new travel rules as “draconian,” and considers many of the requirements unnecessary.
Last week, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (Iacat) announced that it will implement revised departure guidelines for Filipinos traveling abroad starting Sept. 3.
Under the new rules, for example, those spending for their own travel overseas will have to show financial capacity or source of income and proof of employment, aside from their roundtrip tickets and hotel bookings.
Then if the trip is sponsored, the traveler will have to present a slew of documents including work visa and overseas employment certificate, notarized affidavits of support and guarantee, and registration papers of the sponsor, on top of the basic passport and tickets.
Given the additional time, effort, and expense to secure the documents, Barcelon said the government should “postpone it and require more discussions.”
Full Story at: Rethink new travel rules – biz, commuter groups | Inquirer News
Belmonte lauds QCPD chief’s decision; vows to continue probe on QC road rage | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has committed to continue with the unbiased investigation into the viral road rage case involving a dismissed policeman, as she commended the city police district chief, Brig. Gen. Nicolas Torre III’s decision to tender his resignation.
Earlier Wednesday, Torre said he had already submitted his resignation letter to Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. “to spare the PNP from any other [issue]” after the police drew flak when it facilitated a press conference for dismissed policeman Wilfredo Gonzales.
Gonzales was caught on video threatening a cyclist with a gun during a road altercation last August 8.
In response, Belmonte expressed her gratitude for Torre’s effort and dedication throughout his tenure.
“Regarding the particular incident that led to Brig. Gen. Torre’s resignation: I understand that missteps are a part of everyone’s journey, and it is the manner in which we address them that truly defines us. His willingness to take ownership of the situation is commendable,” the mayor said in a statement issued Wednesday afternoon.
Full Story at: Belmonte lauds QCPD chief’s decision; vows to continue probe on QC road rage | Inquirer News
