Charges for reckless driving and direct assault were filed before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday against a city government doctor who bumped a policeman manning traffic near the Lopue’s East mall in Brgy. Villamonte while reportedly speeding in his vehicle at about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

The charges were filed against Dr. Benjamin Gonzaga of Hacienda Lourdes, Brgy. Estefania, and employed by the City Health Office, City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, said.

City Police’s Traffic Management Unit head, Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche, also said they are filing an additional charge for attempted homicide.

Gonzaga had allegedly insisted on entering the one-way zone and orally defamed the policemen when they preventedhim from doing so, Acebuche said.

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

Gonzaga claimed that he was on his way to a hospital to attend to his patient and failed to see the street sign stating that one-way scheme is being implemented at the Circumferential Road.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia has ordered the city police to thoroughly investigate and report on the case of Gonzaga so he can direct the City Legal Office to determine his administrative liability.

Leonardia also reminded city employees to conduct themselves properly in public as not tarnish the image of the city government.

As of press time yesterday, Gonzaga was still processing his bail at the Bacolod City Hall of Justice.*APN

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