A barangay captain in Cebu has issued a public apology after a video of him riding a motorcycle without a helmet spread rapidly across social media platforms. The incident has sparked a conversation about the responsibility of public officials to follow the laws they are meant to uphold.
A Public Apology Via Facebook Live
Basak Barangay Captain Felipe Diano took to Facebook Live to address the controversy directly. He admitted his mistake and asked for forgiveness from the public. In his explanation, Diano stated that he was rushing due to a pressing emergency at the time the video was captured.
"I offer my heartfelt apology to the public for not wearing a helmet. That was an emergency moment because our house was almost on fire," Diano explained. He further added that the danger of the situation caused him to overlook the safety protocol.
Despite providing his reason, the barangay official explicitly acknowledged that he had broken traffic laws. He expressed his readiness to face any corresponding penalties. "I am ready to face any traffic violation. As a barangay official, I ask for forgiveness," he affirmed.
The Netizen Who Captured the Footage
The video was originally uploaded by a netizen using the name La Monalux. In a subsequent Zoom interview, Monalux recounted how her husband first noticed the helmet-less rider while they were on their way to Consolacion.
"My husband noticed that the person on the motorcycle had no helmet. When I looked, I was shocked because it was true," Monalux shared. She emphasized her own practice as a responsible motorist, stating, "As a fellow motorist, I have never experienced riding a motorcycle without a helmet, especially on the highway."
She clarified that she had no personal grudge against the captain and did not know him personally. She only realized he was an official because of the name printed on his shirt. Her stated goal was to raise public awareness, particularly among the youth, about the importance of always wearing proper safety gear while riding.
Addressing the Backlash and Speculation
In response to social media comments defending the captain due to the emergency, Monalux stood firm. "Even if there was an emergency, it is still a violation," she asserted. She also denied any political motivation behind her post, describing such claims as baseless.
Monalux pointed out that the video clearly shows Diano not wearing a helmet. However, she noted that other allegations, such as running a red light, remain "hearsay" as they were not captured in the footage she shared. The video was initially posted on January 6, 2026, and quickly drew public criticism toward the government official.
This incident highlights the heightened scrutiny public figures face in the digital age and serves as a reminder of the universal importance of road safety, regardless of one's position or the circumstances.
