BASAK, Mandaue City Barangay Captain Felipe Diano has issued a public apology after a video showing him driving a motorcycle without a helmet circulated widely online and sparked debate on public accountability and the official’s responsibility.
In a Facebook Live video, Diano admitted he failed to wear a helmet and explained he was responding to an emergency at the time.
“I sincerely apologize to the public for not wearing a helmet. That moment was an emergency because our house was almost on fire,” Diano said.
“I was no longer able to think about wearing a helmet because of the danger of the situation,” he added.
Diano acknowledged that he violated traffic laws and said he was prepared to face the consequences.
“Whatever traffic violation I committed, I am ready to face it. As a barangay official, I am asking for forgiveness. I did not do this to gain attention or to go viral because of my position,” he said.
The video was uploaded by netizen La Monalux, who later explained in an interview conducted via Zoom that she and her husband noticed the barangay captain while they were on their way to Consolacion.
“My husband suddenly noticed that the motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet. When I looked, I was shocked because it was true,” Monalux said.
“As someone who also drives a motorcycle, I have never driven without a helmet, especially on a highway,” she added.
Monalux said she had no intention to attack or discredit the barangay captain when she uploaded the video.
She explained that she only realized the rider was a public official when she noticed the name printed on his shirt.
“I did not upload the video to destroy anyone. I thought it would help raise awareness and allow authorities to see it so accountability could be applied,” she said.
“I did not expect it to go viral. My intention was only awareness and to serve as an eye-opener, especially for young motorcycle riders, that driving without a proper helmet is not allowed,” she added.
According to Monalux, the incident took place shortly after 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, while they were at a traffic stop.
‘Emergency’
She also addressed comments online that justified the act because of the alleged emergency.
“Even if there was an emergency, it is still a violation. If an ordinary citizen like me did the same thing and told authorities I was in a hurry because of an emergency, I would still be ticketed,” she said.
Monalux clarified that her post was not politically motivated and that she did not personally know Diano at the time of the incident.
“This is not about politics. I did not even know he was really a barangay captain. I only saw the words on his shirt and thought it was just campaign merchandise,” she said.
“I later found out that he really holds a public position,” said Monalux.
She also responded to claims in her post’s comments section suggesting the use of hazard lights and traffic enforcer intervention.
“What is clearly visible in the video is that he was not wearing a helmet. There were also claims that he passed a red light, but that was not captured in the video, so those remain hearsay,” Monalux said.
The incident has sparked renewed discussion online about road safety, traffic law enforcement, and the responsibility of public officials to follow the same rules imposed on ordinary citizens. / ABC