Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Ricky Alfonso is under fire following a viral road incident that sparked public outrage and prompted swift action from government authorities.
The incident, which occurred along Katipunan Avenue, involved Alfonso’s official vehicle bearing protocol plate number “10” and unauthorized ‘VIP’ blinkers. A video circulating online showed Alfonso’s driver allegedly assaulting a 23-year-old multicab driver during a heated exchange. Alfonso himself was seen confronting traffic enforcers at the scene.
In response, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued a Notice to Explain (NTE) to Alfonso on October 10, demanding a written explanation within three days. Lopez emphasized that public officials are constitutionally mandated to serve with “responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency,” and that protocol plates and blinkers do not confer VIP status.
The driver involved in the incident has since been terminated, and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) suspended his license for 90 days, citing a show cause order.
This disciplinary move follows President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Junior’s directive to hold all public officials accountable for misconduct in the performance of their duties.
The DOTr has yet to release Alfonso’s formal response.
#NoToAbuseOfPower #PublicServiceNotPrivilege #DOTrPH #AccountabilityNow
The Bench Files 
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