A barangay captain in Mandaue City has issued a public apology after a video showing him riding a motorcycle without a helmet circulated widely on social media, igniting public criticism and a debate on the accountability of public officials.
Public Apology Amid Public Scrutiny
In a Facebook Live video on January 6, 2026, Barangay Captain Felipe Diano of Basak, Mandaue City admitted his failure to wear protective headgear and asked the public for forgiveness. He explained that he was responding to what he described as an emergency situation at the time.
"I sincerely apologize to the public for not wearing a helmet," Diano said. "That moment was an emergency because our house was almost on fire. I was no longer able to think about wearing a helmet because of the danger of the situation."
Despite citing an emergency, Diano acknowledged that he violated traffic laws. He stated he is prepared to face the legal consequences for his actions. "Whatever traffic violation I committed, I am ready to face it. As a barangay official, I am asking for forgiveness," he emphasized, adding that he did not do it to gain attention or go viral.
Netizen's Account: A Call for Awareness, Not Attack
The video was recorded and uploaded by netizen La Monalux. In a subsequent Zoom interview, she explained that she and her husband noticed the violation while on their way to Consolacion for a dental appointment around 2 p.m.
"My husband suddenly noticed that the motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet. When I looked, I was shocked because it was true," Monalux recounted. "As someone who also drives a motorcycle, I have never driven without a helmet, especially on a highway."
She clarified that she had no intention of attacking or discrediting the barangay captain. Monalux said she only realized the rider was a public official after noticing the name printed on his shirt, which she initially thought was just campaign merchandise.
"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 stated. "My intention was only awareness and to serve as an eye-opener, especially for young motorcycle riders."
Addressing Justifications and Clarifying Motives
Monalux directly addressed online comments that tried to justify the act due to the alleged emergency. "Even if there was an emergency, it is still a violation," she argued. "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 firmly denied any political motivation behind her post, stating she did not personally know Diano at the time. "This is not about politics. I did not even know he was really a barangay captain," Monalux explained.
Regarding other claims in the comment section about hazard lights or running a red light, Monalux said these were not clearly shown in her recording. "What is clearly visible in the video is that he was not wearing a helmet," she pointed out.
Broader Implications for Road Safety and Accountability
The incident has sparked a renewed discussion online about several key issues:
- Road Safety: The importance of helmet use for all motorcycle riders.
- Traffic Law Enforcement: Questions about consistent application of rules.
- Public Official Conduct: The responsibility of elected officials to follow the same laws they help enforce.
The case highlights the ongoing public expectation for transparency and accountability from local leaders, demonstrating how citizen vigilance and social media can bring such matters to light.
