Atty. Raymond Fortun demands justice for the events that unfolded between a cyclist and a former policeman during the Senate hearing investigating the August 8, 2023, road rage incident.

In a Facebook post, Fortun stated that despite the reconciliation between the cyclist and ex-cop Wilfredo Gonzales, it is evident and admitted that public order was breached in that incident.

“In a crime called “public crime”, anyone who has knowledge about the crime can file a case. It is only in “private crimes” such concubinage, adultery, seduction, abduction, rape and acts of Lasciviousness that a case can be dismissed upon the forgiveness given by the complainant.” Fortune said.

“I’m also a victim here.” – Ex-cop Gonzales

On Tuesday, September 5th, Gonzales repeatedly apologized during a Senate hearing for his road rage but blamed cyclist Allan Bandiola for causing the incident last August. He also alleged that Bandiola had mocked and taunted him.

“I’m also a victim here. I lost my job. What happened to me on social media, my children, my family, if my car hadn’t been punched. Maybe the collision with my bumper will make me sorry,” Gonzales said .

However, according to Atty. Fortun in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo, Bandiola has refused to file a case after receiving threats from police officials.

“‘That cyclist is so scared. ‘Don’t fight him because I’m so scared.’ They know his cellphone number, they know his house. [They] have the ID. They know where he works,” Fortun said.

“Abuse of power happened. You can see it in the video. The video will not lie. In my view, the other party was wrong.” Fortune said.

Fortun said that after being slapped and threatened with a gun, the cyclist was forced to go to a police station and made to sign a statement admitting fault in the incident.

The lawyer also demanded that the PNP operational procedures violated by the investigators be prosecuted, that the DILG and the PNP file necessary charges against Mr. Gonzales for Frustrated Homicide, Grave Threats, and Slander by Deed as shown in the CCTV footage, and that the Senate hearing transcripts be used to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge Mr. Gonzales with False Testimony.

“But I give the assurance that there will be no whitewash nor will I allow this road rage issue to be forgotten. We the cyclists who have been unfairly accused of carrying a flat screwdriver and a cutter when we ride our bikes will not succumb to threats.” Fortun added.

“We will bring justice for Allan Bandiola, even without his consent.” The lawyer stressed.

Photo: Raymond Fortun FB