Rosario

SC decision to fire staff in road rage incident lauded

September 1, 2023 Jester P. Manalastas 274 views

TWO lawmakers from the administration and opposition blocs, have lauded the swift decision of Supreme Court Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario to fire a member of his staff who figured in a road rage incident that went viral on social media on August 27.

Sta Rosa City Rep. Dan Fernandez, chairman of the House committee on public order and security, said that Rosario demonstrated quick resolve and determination when he terminated the services of retired Quezon City policeman Wilfredo Gonzales.

On the other hand, member of Makabayan bloc Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas said manifested her appreciation of Rosario’s action – a proof that he is not tolerating any abuse and wrongdoing of a public servant.

In a press statement signed by Wilhelmina Aileen Mayuga, judicial staff head of Rosario’s office, it was revealed that Gonzales was fired on August 27, the same day that the video started hitting the social media.

A co-terminous employee of Rosario’s office, Gonzales was caught on camera hitting an unarmed cyclist on the head as he brandished a gun which he also cocked.

Fernandez revealed during the initial hearing of the Lower House probe into the incident that he was informed about Gonzales’ dismissal last Tuesday.

The senior administration solon presided over the hearing of the motu propio congressional inquiry that was attended by Brig. Gen. Nicholas Torre III and lawyer Raymond Fortun, a cycling enthusiast who sought the prosecution of Gonzales. The former policeman will be invited in the next hearing to shed light into the incident

“Justice Rosario took a quick and decisive action in addressing the issue. I was told that he made the decision promptly after viewing the video last Sunday,” the Laguna lawmaker said.

“What the SC official did was truly admirable. He evened up the scales of justice which many believe tilted unfairly towards the side of the former High Court employee,” he added.

Meanwhile, Brosas manifested her appreciation of Rosario’s action during the opening of the congressional deliberation on the proposed budget of the judiciary last Thursday.

“Gusto lang namin i-commend ang agarang aksyon ng office of Associate Justice Ricardo Rosario sa pagsibak sa kanya (Gonzales) as a coterminous employe ng kanyang (Rosario) opisina,” the opposition stalwart stated.

She added: “Unlike the QCPD which seems to be coddling Gonzales, the office of Justice Rosario has shown that they do not condone such actions.”

The congressional hearings on the reported road rage incident that took place in Quezon City will resume October, after the Lower House shall have disposed of the proposed General Appropriations Act.