Ronda mayor's son to face criminal raps

CEBU, Philippines -  The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management will be filing charges against Mark Gregory Blanco, son of Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco, for driving under the influence of alcohol and for damaging a government property.

In last Tuesday’s traffic accident on M.J. Cuenco and General Maxilom Avenue, the younger Blanco damaged a traffic light including eight vehicles parked beside the road when he swept through them about 3 o’clock dawn.

Blanco’s Isuzu Trooper Wagon also collided with a Hyundai Starex at the A. Soriano and Gen. Maxilom intersection after sweeping the eight parked vehicles.

CITOM Board Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said they would not allow anybody who has put the lives of some people at risk to get away with it.

“Even if they expressed willingness to negotiate, we have to protect the public. We cannot just let somebody driving around under the influence of alcohol, then get away with it,” Jakosalem said.

The young Blanco admitted over a television report that he was driving drunk when the incident happened.

Section 53 of the Republic Act 4136 prohibits the act of driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug.

The penalties though, as provided in Section 56 of RA 4136 is a fine of not less than two hundred pesos nor more than five hundred pesos, or imprisonment of not more than three months, or both, at the discretion of the Court.

Jakosalem said that they are researching for other laws with heavier punishments that may be applicable. He said he will consult with the Land Transportation Office if it can suspend the license of the erring driver.

“We want to protect the people from these kinds of drivers because as you see, I haven’t heard until now a driver who damaged eight vehicles at the same time,” Jakosalem said.

Blanco will likewise be charged for reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property after he destroyed a traffic light. — (FREEMAN)