“We will not let any employee tarnish the image of the city government.”

That was what Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said of Dr. Benjamin Gonzaga of Hacienda Lourdes, Brgy. Estefania, who was reportedly speeding on his vehicle when he bumped a policeman manning traffic near the Lopue’s East mall in Brgy. Villamonte at about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Leonardia has ordered City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz to thoroughly investigate the case so he could direct the City Legal Office to determine the administrative liability of Gonzaga.

Gonzaga, who is assigned at the Bacolod City Health Office, allegedly insisted on entering the one-way zone and orally defamed the policemen when they prevented him, City Police Traffic Management Unit head, Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche, said.

Gonzaga then sped off in his Hyundai Tucson and hit Police Officer 2 Roland Villan who was putting a steel barricade on the road, Acebuche added.

De la Paz said they will file appropriate charges against Gonzaga because no one is above the law. He appealed to motorists to abide with traffic rules and regulations as policemen and traffic enforcers.

Gonzaga is still in the custody of Police Station 4 yesterday and charges are being readied against him.*APN

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