MANILA, Philippines —Despite issuing a public apology, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group Strike Force head Gabriel Go was still slapped with a criminal case by a Quezon City police officer whom he berated in public last week.
Capt. Mann Erik Felipe yesterday filed a complaint against Go for cyberlibel under Republic Act 10175 before the city prosecutor’s office.
Go apologized to the Philippine National Police (PNP) over a viral video showing him in a confrontation with Felipe over illegal parking.
At a press briefing yesterday, Go said he did not intend to disrespect law enforcement officers.
“To Captain Felipe, sir, I sincerely apologize for what happened. It was never my intention to cause any misunderstanding or misconduct,” the MMDA official said.
Go also apologized to the public and the PNP.
Felipe also sued Dada Koo, a vlogger who posted an “edited” video on YouTube of his encounter with Go in front of the Anonas police station 9.
“It is my personal decision to file a case for posting spliced videos online, which smeared my name,” Felipe told reporters.
Felipe said he has forgiven Go, adding he supports the MMDA official’s crusade of clearing roads and sidewalks of obstructions.
But Felipe said Go should be held accountable for ruining his reputation and compromising his privacy.
Felipe thanked Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito and National Police Commission Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan for defending him.
Felipe said he was never arrogant when he talked to MMDA enforcers in front of the police station.
According to the police officer, he only asked MMDA enforcers if there was already a parking ticket for his motorcycle.
When he saw Go, Felipe said he even greeted the MMDA official.
Felipe said he was surprised when Go castigated him in front of other police officers.
Felipe dared the vlogger to upload the whole video.
He said Go and the vlogger did not inform him that a video of their encounter would be uploaded on social media. – Christine Boton