We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense
Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzales, the dismissed police officer in the viral road rage incident in Quezon City, has apologized for pulling out and cocking his gun at an unarmed cyclist. During Tuesday’s investigation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs into the viral road rage incident, Gonzales admitted that he assaulted cyclist Allan Bandiola during their altercation near Welcome Rotonda in Quezon City last month. “I apologize for that part – for hitting him in his head and for pulling out and cocking my gun at him. I apologize to everyone, not just [to Bandiola], but to all of you. It was my fault. I was shocked,” Gonzales told lawmakers. The dismissed police officer, who has yet to return his separation pay despite being ordered to do so, claimed that he did such an act to defend himself from Bandiola. “In my mind, I must defend myself because I have yet to recover from my spine operation. He admitted that he attacked me. For me, it was solely to shock him so could not hit me,” he said. “If he catches me, he might kill me because I am still weak. I am yet to cover from my operation,” he added. For his part, Bandiola confirmed that he planned to retaliate after being hit by Gonzales. “It was my normal reaction because he hit me in the head. That is why I got off my bike,” he said. “He could have just talked to me.” ‘Gloves with hard knuckles’ Meanwhile, Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito asked Gonzales about his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves with hard knuckles during their altercation last month, which the latter allegedly used to cause a dent in his car. “Mr. Gonzales claimed that Mr. Bandiola was wearing gloves for motorcycles that had knuckles. Is that correct?” Ejercito asked. Gonzales replied, “Yes.” Ejercito then asked Bandiola whether he was wearing gloves, which the latter denied. Bandiola’s claim was validated by a screencap from the now-deleted viral incident, shown during the Senate panel’s investigation. This prompted Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who presides the hearing, to interrogate Gonzales. “Mr. Gonzales, this picture won’t lie. He was not wearing any gloves. Now, you are making stories that he was wearing gloves with hard knuckles. Look at it,” Dela Rosa said. Gonzales stood by his claim that Bandiola was wearing gloves, stressing that police who responded to the incident could prove his claim. “The police who were there can prove that he was wearing gloves. I’m telling you the truth, I’m not lying,” he said. The dismissed police officer’s response angered Dela Rosa, who served as Philippine National Police chief during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte. “This picture can prove that he was not wearing gloves. Mr. Gonzales, whatever you say, people who watch us will say that you are a former cop,” he said. “It will be a shame that people will always call police liars. You’re a police, I am a police. We don’t want our organization to be branded as liars,” he said. Unfazed, Gonzales insisted that Bandiola was wearing gloves in his right hand, which Bandiola denied. Ejercito supported Bandiola’s claim by showing another screencap which proved that the cyclist was not wearing any gloves. Dela Rosa, who identified himself as a cyclist, echoed Ejercito’s observation. “I am also a biker, wearing gloves with hard knuckles would make you look like a fool.” He then urged Gonzales not to manufacture stories in the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he chairs. After the hearing, Bandiola maintained that he would not file cases against Gonzales. “People who know me know what kind of person I am. They know the truth. I will let God take care of him,” he said. The post Gun-toting ex-cop in viral road rage incident apologizes, claims self-defense appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ion Perez: Have (motor)bike, will travel
Ion Perez’s love for adventure and bikes has taken him to many places, even before he joined showbiz. He has pedaled to Antipolo, Baguio City and other sceniec places with biker friends. .....»»
Car parking near MRT-4 will decongest roads
Spanish construction firm IDOM is supporting the road decongestion proposal for car parking areas near the elevated Metro Manila Rail Transit System-Line 4 or MRT-4 with routes from Quezon City to Taytay in Rizal province which are expected to become operational in 2028. IDOM Philippines’ director and MRT-4 team leader Engr. Jose Ignacio Peñas García said the proposal will help discourage Filipinos from riding their cars to reach their destinations near MRT-4’s 10 train stations. “We also did a study of the map of the places along the routes of the MRT-4 and there are commercial areas there. There are around 400,000 people who are expected to use the MRT-4,” Garcia told Rotary Club of Makati officers and members in a recent RC Makati meeting at the Manila Peninsula in Makati City. Remove vehicles “It’s not the scope of our work but people can use the parking buildings in nearby malls because we want to remove cars and tricycles on the road,” he said. MRT-4 will have an entire railway spanning 12.7 kilometers and its stations will be linked to the MRT-3 through elevated walkways stretching 650 meters. Robinsons Malls and SM Malls in Pasig City are both located along the entire route of Its driverless trains passing by MRT-4’s stations in EDSA in Quezon City; Meralco, Tiendesitas, Rosario and Saint Joseph in Pasig City; Cainta and San Juan in Cainta; Tikling Junction, Manila East Road and Taytay in Rizal. As another environment-friendly measure, RC Makati member, noted architect and Palafox Associates urban planner Jun Palafox suggested to Garcia the provision of bike lanes which can be built a few steps beside the railway. “There’s a big opportunity here for bicycle highways because the stations have a lot of roofing and cyclists can be protected from the rain and sunlight,” Palafox said. MRT-4 will be 60 percent funded by the Asian Development Bank and 40 percent by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Construction plan thoroughly scrutinized Garcia said ADB has scrutinized thoroughly the construction plan to ensure minimal harm to the environment. “ADB manages our project and loans will not be given if we don’t follow rules on the environment. We want to remove cars, tricycles on the road also for air pollution because the MRT-4 uses electric lines and also removes noise pollution,” he said. The post Car parking near MRT-4 will decongest roads appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
My experience as a folding biker and bimodal commuter in Metro Manila
The fun of biking is undercut by the constant reminder that our roads are unsafe. Major thoroughfares may have bike lanes but this is wishful thinking in most secondary roads. Bike lanes are merely a slim extension of existing roads where potholes, manholes, and even open drainages are often located. It is used too as an emergency lane and frequently “patronized” by motorcycle riders. The post My experience as a folding biker and bimodal commuter in Metro Manila appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
QC, Pasig launch new initiatives
The local governments of Quezon City and Pasig City recently launched new initiatives that aim to make their streets more walkable, cyclable and environment-friendly. The said initiatives were launched through a memorandum of understanding signed by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto. Funded by the International Climate Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Sparking Active Mobility Actions for Climate-friendly Cities aims to increase the role of active mobility in building resilient and safe transport systems, contribute to national emission reduction targets, and promote climate-friendly mobility behavior. The two cities were selected due to their strong commitment to promoting and supporting active transport (cycling or walking) based on their development plans and priorities and their capacity to inclusively implement the project in close collaboration with community stakeholders. Quezon City has been proactive in developing its bike lane plan in order to provide safer and more accessible cycling infrastructure for its residents. On the other hand, Pasig City has expanded its “People’s Streets” initiative which sees select roads being closed to vehicular traffic every Sunday to provide exclusive spaces for pedestrians and cyclists. The two cities also have dedicated offices for green and active transport initiatives, further underscoring their commitment to people-centric and sustainable transportation. Furthermore, both Quezon City and Pasig are partners of ICSC and the broader CSO network in the Bilang Siklista Project, a volunteer-driven initiative in 18 cities nationwide doing a manual count of people making daily trips on bicycles during commuter peak hours. Both are also members of ICLEI, a global network working with over 2,500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. Walking and cycling are often overlooked yet essential modes of transportation that offer greater environmental benefits than motorized vehicles. Motorized transport contributes to approximately 30 percent of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions in the Philippines, making it a significant contributor to air pollution in the country. Active mobility can potentially reduce 3.46 million tons of emissions in highly urbanized cities while contributing to public health, equity and green socio-economic recovery. With the SPARK project, these cities further reinforce their existing commitments to promote and enable active transport. The SPARK project aims to catalyze innovation and progress through the application of tactical urbanism, a community-driven short-term action that involves the use of quick, small-scale, and often informal interventions to improve the urban environment and test out new ideas before implementing larger and more permanent changes and open-data. The concerted effort is expected to bring about tangible and lasting improvements in promoting cycling and walking as viable and legitimate means of transportation, contributing to healthier and liveable communities, the LGU said. ICLEI and Quezon City have previously worked together in various climate action-related projects including the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network, Circle Lab for Cities and the One Planet City Challenge. Meanwhile, ICLEI and Pasig City have recently worked together on Ambitious City Promises, Building Efficiency Accelerator and the One Planet City Challenge, among others. The post QC, Pasig launch new initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAY DIRT
The Philippines has once again proven its love for motorsports, with the Tarlac Rally leading the charge in bringing back the excitement of rally racing to the country. The season-opening event, which took place on 24 to 25 June found its home at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a venue famous for hosting the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. During this thrilling event, the New Clark City served a dual purpose, acting as both the parc fermé and service park for the rally. The first round of the Tarlac Rally comprised 11 electrifying special stages. The rally’s transport stages were all found along the O’Donnell Road, which functioned as the main artery of the event. [caption id="attachment_155560" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NEW Clark City serves as venue for the 2023 Tarlac Rally, marking the triumphant return of stage rallying in the country. | Photographs courtesy of Philippine Rallycross Series[/caption] Of the 12 teams that dared to tackle the challenging rally event, only half were successful in crossing the finish arch, marking the completion of the arduous 100-plus kilometer rally. A shining star among the competitors was Paul Santos, the Group 2 classification's champion, and his navigator Ansley Sarmiento. The duo, who have an impressive pedigree in the sport, including titles such as the 2022 Philippine Rallycross Group 3 Champion and 2022 AAP Driver of the Year for Rallycross, drove their No.1 Honda Civic EK to victory, with an overall time of 45 minutes and 14 seconds. Following closely behind in second place were veteran rally driver Jun Magno and navigator Kalvin Sumagui. Magno, driving his 3S-GE Beams-powered BMW E36 in the Rear-wheel-drive class, clocked in at 45 minutes 30 seconds. [caption id="attachment_155562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THIS 80s model KE70 Toyota Corolla of Devor Andres and Rommel Ocoy takes third place.[/caption] The third spot on the podium was claimed by off-roader and dirt bike rider Devor Andres, alongside co-driver Rommel Ocoy. Despite racing in the oldest car in the rally, a 1980s Toyota Corolla KE70, the duo managed an impressive total rally time of 50:22, earning them the Group 4 win. Completing the top four were Touge Battle race organizers E.Z. Ligaya and Stephen Alunan, who drove the Debest Autofix BMW 316i E36 to finish with a time of 53:14. This Full Throttle Weekend duo not only managed a fourth-place overall finish in the rally but also secured second place in the RWD class. The first place in Group 1 was swept up by Marvin Susara and his navigator Charlie Cruz. They finished fifth overall, just managing to cross the line in their 2NZ-powered Corolla E100 at SS11, with a total rally time of 55:31. The Automobile Association Philippines CEO Mark Desales and co-driver Ricxie dela Cruz also demonstrated determination, finishing the race despite mid-rally challenges. The duo managed a total time of 59:59, securing Group 1's second place and a sixth-overall finish. The 2023 Tarlac Rally wouldn't have been possible without the backing of various organizations and corporations, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, New Clark City, Tarlac province, Capas LGU, San Jose LGU, Cleanfuel, Ravenol, Autoplus Sport, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Accelera Tires, Aguila Auto Glass, AC Delco, JS Mina Sound System, Print & Mount, Method Race Wheels and Tyron Runflat. Their support was integral to bringing back the excitement of rally racing to the Philippines, marking a significant step in the nation's motor sports renaissance. The post PAY DIRT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go lauds Capiztahan Swimfest, sends out aid to indigents
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, congratulated the provincial government of Capiz, led by Governor Fredenil Castro, for successfully holding its Capiztahan Swimfest from 14 to 16 April at the Villareal Stadium in Roxas City. “Nais ko po sanang batiin lahat ng mga manlalaro na nagmula sa iba't ibang panig ng rehiyon upang makilahok sa kompetisyon na ito. Ang inyong dedikasyon at pagsisikap ang nagdala sa inyo dito, at tiyak na ibibigay ninyo ang inyong buong puso sa inyong laban,” expressed Go through a message delivered by his representative present during the event. Go was scheduled to personally join the event that day but due to technical issues with the aircraft, his visit was rescheduled to Monday in Capiz where he visited the Malasakit Center in Roxas City. He also joined the groundbreaking of two Super Health Centers and provided assistance to indigents in Panit-an and Panay towns. “As we all know, sports play an essential role in our lives. They not only keep us physically fit but also help us develop important values like discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. They also teach us to face challenges and overcome them with determination, which is a valuable lesson that we can apply in all aspects of our lives,” he continued. The Swimfest is just one out of the 14 sporting events featured in Capiztahan 2023 as there will also be jujitsu, windsurfing, taekwondo, arnis, lawn tennis, invitational motocross, chess, boxing, mixed martial arts, table tennis, bodybuilding, skimboard, and criterium race. The sports festival aims to promote physical fitness, healthy competition, and camaraderie among the residents of Capiz, particularly the youth. It also provides a platform for local athletes to showcase their skills and talents in various sports and to represent their respective towns and cities in friendly competitions. “Sa lahat ng mga magulang at guardians na naririto ngayon, nais kong pasalamatan kayo sa inyong pagsuporta sa mga pangarap ng inyong mga anak na mahilig sa sports,” cited Go. “Ang inyong pagmamahal at suporta ang nagtulak sa kanila upang magpatuloy sa kanilang mga pangarap, at hindi nila makakamit ito ngayon kung hindi sa inyong walang-sawang suporta,” he added. Go’s team also raffled off a pair of shoes and a bike for the participants of the swimfest. Board Member Thea Faith Reyes was present during the event and expressed gratitude to Go for his continuing support of the province. Meanwhile, Go’s team led a relief operation for 1,000 indigents at the Civic Center. They gave away grocery packs, vitamins, snacks, masks, and shirts to the residents. They also provided bicycles, cellular phones, shoes, umbrellas, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select beneficiaries. Representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were also in attendance and extended financial assistance. “I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the organizers of this event, including the local government, for their hard work in putting together this wonderful competition. It takes a lot of effort and dedication to organize such an event, and I commend you for your tireless efforts,” Go highlighted. “Let us all enjoy this day of healthy competition and camaraderie. To all the swimmers, I wish you the best of luck, and may the best person win. Patuloy nating itaguyod ang sports upang maitaguyod ang ating pagkakaisa at magandang kinabukasan para sa ating bansa,” he concluded. On the same day, Go sent his outreach teams to Panay and Panitan towns to likewise assist struggling residents. Go, as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, was instrumental in pushing an additional budget for the Philippine Sports Commission in order to support the preparation, training, and participation of Filipino athletes in upcoming sports competitions and to implement effective programs to hone the skills of more young and aspiring athletes. Particularly, the increase in the PSC's 2023 budget reflected in the General Appropriations Act is intended to support Filipino athletes in the 2023 Asian Games, 2023 Southeast Asian Games, and 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. It can also be recalled that Go has successfully authored and co-sponsored a bill in the Senate which became Republic Act No. 11470 in 2020. The Act mandated the establishment of the National Academy of Sports System and Main Campus in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. “Simula sa grassroots level, d’yan talaga nag-uumpisa ang mga atleta natin. Kaya rin po naisabatas na ang National Academy for Sports, isa pong eskwelahan kung saan po nakakapag-aral at the same time nakakapag-training ang mga kabataan. Pag-aaral at the same time training, training at the same time pag-aaral. Walang naisasakripisyo,” said Go. The lawmaker also introduced Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games Act of 2022. The proposed measure aims to institutionalize “a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general.” Furthermore, the bill seeks to ensure a more inclusive system of promoting promising Filipino athletes who possess potential in various fields of sports to be given an equal opportunity of becoming future contenders in international sporting competitions and cement the country’s status as a "Sports Powerhouse in Asia." The post Go lauds Capiztahan Swimfest, sends out aid to indigents appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bamboo biker goes around Cebu
GINATILAN, CEBU — Cycling is one of the best exercises you can do for boosting fitness and health, as well as making your life more environmentally friendly and fun. But imagine riding a bike with a bamboo bicycle or bike frame around Cebu. Rafie Llego, a 21-year-old triathlete, did that in three days and two […] The post Bamboo biker goes around Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Surban, Dormitorio conquer national mountain bike trials
Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Nino Surban and Ariana Dormitorio topped the PhilCycling National mountain bike trials in Danao City, Cebu on Sunday that was done as part of the Southeast Asian Games selection process......»»
Danao track brings out best of mountain bike team
The Philippine mountain bike team is literally leaving no stone unturned as it gears up for the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in November......»»
National cycling championships postponed
The national cycling championships for road, mountain bike and BMX, which serves as part of the selection process for the 31st Southeast Asian Games late this year in Hanoi, Vietnam, have been postponed due to the alarming rise of new cases of the COVID-19 pandemic......»»
Surban tops second leg of Danao MTB race
CEBU CITY Philippines—Niño Surban flexed his might in the second leg of the “Race Against Drugs & Bike To Stay Healthy Against Covid” held last February 28, 2021 in Danao City, northern Cebu. Surban, a silver medalist in mountain bike in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, dominated the elite category with a time of 43 minutes. […] The post Surban tops second leg of Danao MTB race appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Asian MTB champ is new GAC Motor ambassador
Legado Car Sales, the official retailer of GAC Motor in the Philippines, has named elite mountain bike national athlete Ariana Dormitorio as its newest brand ambassador......»»
These unique bicycles are turning heads in Cebu
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Biking is never boring. Biking makes every biker feel powerful and confident to make it somewhere far and challenging. But along the bike routes and busy city streets in Cebu, not-so-common bikes can be spotted. Yes, may it be a custom-made bicycle that looks futuristic or bikes that bring us back to […] The post These unique bicycles are turning heads in Cebu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Allianz, German Embassy partner for bike safety, sustainability
Allianz PNB Life has found another sustainability partner as the German Embassy Manila joined its Ride Safe campaign, which seeks to promote biker safety and green mobility......»»
PHI men s volleyball team members stay fit through cycling
National men’s volleyball team members are riding the new craze to stay fit while leagues and activities of the sport are still banned because of the health crisis. Team captain John Vic De Guzman, Bryan Bagunas and Jau Umandal as well as other members of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medal-winning squad are hitting the road with their newfound love for cycling. “Ginagawa ko na siyang alternative sa endurance training ko. Cross-training ko na rin siya. Para maiba lang kaysa sa palaging takbo lang,” Bagunas told ABS-CBN Sports. Last Thursday, the trio in their first time together since the lockdown pedaled for around 40 kilometers from CCP complex to MOA around Okada and back. “‘Yung dalawa matagal na rin silang nagba-bike. Tapos na nag-chat ako kay Bry na baka makakuha na ako ng bike. Tapos ayun natauloy din kami,” said De Guzman, who for months stayed in Isabela with his good buddy Ricci Rivero with Luzon put under an enhanced community quarantine because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. “Iba yung papawis kasi kahit papaano nagi-enjoy ka,” he added. “Kahit papaano nakaka-bonding mo rin sila.” (Photo from Bryan Bagunas' Instagram account: bryanbagunas01) Learning about each other’s interest in biking through their social media posts, Bagunas and Umandal, who rides a road bike, were actually the ones who planned their meeting. “Nakita ko siyang nag-post ng picture na nagba-bike tapos nakita rin niya ako na nag-post hanggang sa magkayayaan na,” shared Bagunas, who owns a mountain bike. “Itong si John Vic naman nasa Isabela pa kasi siya nung last week pero nagtsa-chat na siya na sama raw siya pag nakabalik na siya. Nagka-schedule na magkasama-sama.” Last Saturday, the trio joined other former national team members including coach Emil Lontoc, Kungfu Reyes and Ottie Camangian in a get-together bike run which kicked off in Las Pinas. Meanwhile, libero Ricky Marcos is hitting two birds with one on his bike. The Bulldogs standout is not only using his bike to stay fit, it also serves as his delivery ride for his online business. Marcos himself delivers samgyupsal to his customers on his bike. Marcos is one of the first national athletes to avail of the free bicycles given by the Philippine Olympic Committee through the initiative of its President Cong. Bambol Tolentino. Rhea Dimaculangan of the women’s volleyball team is also a first batch recipient of POC’s free bikes. Bagunas said that other national team members are actually looking to join them in their cycling runs. “Pati ‘yung iba may plano nang bumili ng bike. Sigurado sa susunod ‘yung iba mapapasama na,” he said. “‘Yung iba nagsa-cycling na rin sila pero di pa namin nakakasama pa.” With their usual training activities still prohibited, volleyball athletes are finding ways to stay in shape and remain in tip-top condition. “Mahirap na rin magpabaya eh,” said Bagunas. “Kasi siyempre baka biglang magkalaro na nga. Siyempre buhay na natin 'yang volleyball.” --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»
Cebu City declares state of calamity in 28 mountain barangays due to el Niño
CEBU CITY, Philippines – In response to the escalating effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, Cebu City has declared a “state of calamity” in 28 mountain barangays. This decision comes after a resolution was passed with reports of dwindling water sources and agricultural distress, prompting urgent measures to assist affected communities in the city. .....»»
Antipolo City throws support on Ajido
The Antipolo City government led by Mayor Casimiro “Jun” Ynares III will provide support to Antipolo-born swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido, who won the country’s lone gold medal in record-breaking fashion at the recent 11th Asian Age-Group Swimming Championships......»»
Jollibee invests $28 million in beverage tech firm
Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is investing $28 million for a 10 percent stake in beverage technology company Botrista Inc. to support the growth of its coffee and tea business......»»
Opinion - South China Sea- Philippines must softly manage disputes or miss out economically
Manilas assertive transparency strategy is touted as a model for managing maritime disputes but it diminishes key economic opportunities. As Chinese investment pours into other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines must reduce geopolitical risks without acquiescing to Beijing......»»