Social media has been abuzz following the circulation of a viral video showing traffic being halted on Commonwealth Ave. due to an alleged security protocol for Vice President Sara Duterte.
On Thursday, October 5, a video emerged on Twitter depicting a police officer blocking traffic on Commonwealth Ave. When questioned about the reason for the traffic stoppage, the officer explained that Vice President Duterte was crossing, necessitating a complete halt in traffic.
This situation and the officer’s statement did not sit well with numerous celebrities, who took to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment.
Kapamilya actor Jake Ejercito commented in a tweet that this was the result of electing rulers instead of servant leaders in society.
“When you elect leaders who want to be served instead of servant leaders”
When you elect leaders who want to be served instead of servant leaders
— jake ejercito (@unoemilio) October 5, 2023
Radio DJ Gino Quillamor echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “Servant of the people? Or are the people their servants? Politicians, man.”
Servant of the people? Or people are their servants?
Politicians, man. https://t.co/r5asCr4fxM
— Gino Quillamor (@ginoboi) October 5, 2023
Jonathan Manalo, Star Music head, responded sarcastically, saying, “Please understand po. Pasensya na.”
https://twitter.com/JonathanManalo/status/1709839127347331562
Former PBB housemate Justin Dizon raised concerns about what else VP Duterte might do if she were elected president.
“Imagine what she can and what she will do kung maging Presidente pa siya. Be very afraid.”
Imagine what she can and what she will do kung maging Presidente pa siya.
Be very afraid. https://t.co/492oSSR4jU
— Justin Dizon (@iamjustindizon) October 5, 2023
Former Partylist congressman Teddy Casino also shared the viral clip, expressing disbelief that one of the country’s busiest highways had been closed for a VIP.
“Sinarado ang isa sa pinaka busy na kalsada sa bansa dahil tatawid ang isang ViP? Grabe naman yan. Sent to me by an ex-military man.”
Sinarado ang isa sa pinaka busy na kalsada sa bansa dahil tatawid ang isang ViP? Grabe naman yan.
Sent to me by an ex-military man. pic.twitter.com/hybUl2vo9y
— Teddy Casiño (@teddycasino) October 5, 2023
Social activist and doctor RJ Naguit taunted the VP, saying, “Shabay shabaaayyy… Di ka special!!!”
https://twitter.com/docrjnaguit/status/1709837894532141077
Economist and Rappler columnist JC Punongbayan joined the conversation by sharing an AI-generated image of a monster queen with the caption “Tabi! Dadaan ang ‘reyna,'” alluding to VP Sara.
Tabi! Dadaan ang "reyna." #chatgpt pic.twitter.com/YIzN5DMoYt
— JC Punongbayan, PhD (@jcpunongbayan) October 5, 2023
Social media personality Gerry Cacanindin urged netizens to watch the viral clip and be the judge, adding,, “Hanep.”
“This video is being shared in different Viber groups. Original owner unknown. Panoorin niyo nalang at kayo na humusga. Masasabi ko lang, ‘Hanep.'”
https://twitter.com/GerryCacanindin/status/1709817471392485810
Meanwhile, following the video’s viral spread, the Office of the Vice President issued a statement denying any involvement in the traffic disruption on Commonwealth Ave.
According to their official statement, they did not request assistance from the Quezon City Police District to block traffic for any purpose. Duterte also called for an investigation into the incident, asserting that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
NEWS UPDATE. Vice President Sara Duterte says she was not involved in a traffic disruption caused by the closure of a portion of Commonwealth Avenue by the Quezon City Police District.
She wrote to QCPD to probe the incident and "rectify the falsehood." | via @bnzmagsambol pic.twitter.com/Qph8EVsG09
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 5, 2023
In addition to the OVP, the Quezon City Police District issued an official statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the incident.
“We would like to apologize for the inconvenience we have brought to the motoring public due to the stopping of the traffic flow along Commonwealth westbound.
“It appears that our policeman overreacted when he stopped the traffic for a few minutes, because of misleading information overheard.”
Here's the full statement from the QCPD on the traffic incident. | via @jairojourno pic.twitter.com/ESr1BaOWwl
— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) October 5, 2023
