Kapuso comedienne Pokwang sparked renewed discussion on road rage penalties after reposting a video clip about the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) policy on lifetime driver’s license revocation.
On Instagram, Pokwang reshared a previous interview with former LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, which revisited the August 8, 2023 road rage incident at Welcome Rotonda involving ex-police officer Wilfredo Gonzales and cyclist Allan Bandiola.
In the clip, Mendoza explained that Gonzales’ driver’s license was not permanently revoked because lifetime revocation applies only to cases involving fatalities. He added that Gonzales could reapply for a license after two years, provided he again complies with basic rules and requirements.
Reacting to this explanation, Pokwang wrote in the caption: “Ah kapag naka patay pala doon lang ma revoke ang lisensya ng for life??? Ah ganon pala ano po? Ok.”
Although she did not mention anyone by name, netizens speculated that the post was connected to a separate, recent road rage incident involving Pokwang’s brother, whose driver’s license was confiscated after he was caught on video slapping and hitting a man pushing a cart, in front of the latter’s child.
LTO officials later addressed the newer incident. According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, both parties were heard, but the agency found grounds for sanctions.
“I allowed both sides to explain, but what we saw there was an abuse, there was an act of violence,” Lacanilao said, adding that the explanation of the driver was not convincing. He stressed that ignorance of anti–road rage campaigns is not an excuse, especially given their wide dissemination.
The LTO has since recommended the revocation of the driver’s license involved and announced that a formal resolution would be released to support the decision.
Meanwhile, talent manager Ogie Diaz shared additional context behind the viral video on his program ‘Showbiz Updates.’ Diaz said the situation escalated after the driver was allegedly hit twice by the cart before he retaliated.
“Mali pa rin ang ginawa,” Diaz said, while acknowledging how the presence of the child may have intensified public reaction. He emphasized, however, that provocation does not justify violence and that legal remedies should have been pursued instead.
Pokwang has since issued a public apology to the victims, particularly to the child who witnessed the incident. “Ako po ay humihingi ng dispensa doon po sa kanyang nakaalitan. Lalong-lalo na po doon sa anak na babae. Pasensya ka na, iha,” she said.
