Phillip Salvador beats up bus driver

A bus driver complained before the Mandaluyong City police that actor Phillip Salvador allegedly beat him up at the height of a traffic altercation along EDSA Wednesday.

Michael Baino, 31, reported that Salvador manhandled him when the bus he was driving nearly rammed into Salvador’s vehicle at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Baino said he sustained bruises and contusions on his head because of the incident.

Police prober PO3 Marvin Masangkay said Baino was driving an Everlasting bus (PXG-628) on EDSA’s southbound lane when, without warning, he made a swift turn towards Boni Avenue. He nearly hit Salvador’s vehicle, earning the actor’s ire.

 In his affidavit, Baino admitted his fault but claimed that he was only avoiding another bus. He said Salvador got out of his car and tried to hit him through the bus window, shouting expletives.

Salvador then boarded the bus and started beating him on the head despite his repeated apologies to the actor. His passengers witnessed the actor’s rampage, Baino said.

Baino added that responding traffic enforcers issued him a traffic ticket for reckless driving, reportedly upon Salvador’s instructions.

Masangkay said they are still waiting for the victim’s medical certificate before filing charges of unjust vexation and physical injuries against Salvador.

In a television interview, Salvador apologized for losing his composure, saying he was terrified when the bus nearly hit his car and that prompted him to hit Baino.

“I’m asking for forgiveness for what happened (Wednesday),” he said, but denied Baino’s allegation that he beat him up.

Salvador said if he beat up Baino, the driver’s face would be smashed up. “I (just) hit him on the nape and punched him once, maybe the blow landed on his forehead,” he said.