Teacher in hospital after getting hit by city car

CEBU, Philippines - A teacher of Banilad Elementary School landed in the hospital Friday night after he was hit by a city government vehicle issued to Councilor Richard Osmeña while crossing Governor Cuenco Avenue.

John Rey Sanchez, 39, was in critical condition at Chong Hua Hospital as of yesterday.

Police Officer Wilfredo Caperida of the Traffic Patrol Group said initial investigation revealed the incident occurred at nearly 8 p.m. and the city-issued Innova was traveling from the neighboring barangay of Talamban when it hit Sanchez who was crossing the road.

The driver, Ronald Badajos, 51, was the one who rushed Sanchez to the hospital. Osmeña was not in the vehicle at that time.

Caperida said a formal investigation is yet to be opened because Sanchez could not speak yesterday and Badajos was assisting the victim’s family.

Yesterday, Osmeña assured Sanchez’ family that he would shoulder the hospital expenses.

“It was purely accident. My driver told me nga ang victim naa sa tunga sa dalan, blind spot ang area,” he said.

Osmeña said his driver told him he did not see Sanchez cross the road.

“Immediately after the accident, my driver brought the victim to the hospital in Banilad but when he saw the serious condition of the victim, I decided to transfer him to Chong Hua Hospital,” he said.

Sanchez is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the blood clot in his head and P50,000 is needed for deposit.

Osmeña said he asked City Administrator Lucelle Mercado to allow Sanchez to avail of CHAMP (City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program). He also asked his fellow councilor, Margarita Osmeña, to help raise the amount.

He said the accident could have been avoided had Sanchez used the skywalk at the area.

“But this is not to blame the victim. I was told by my driver that the incident happened near the Banilad gym where there is a skywalk,” Osmeña said.

Caperida said the place where the incident happened will be inspected as part of the formal investigation.

He said Sanchez’ brother told him yesterday that the family will not file a case against Badajos. — (FREEMAN)