No one above the law: Duterte son caught overspeeding

We’ve heard about various government officials – together with their families and friends – getting away with traffic violations. But it’s not the case for incoming presidential son Paolo “Pulong” Duterte – not even in his family’s bailiwick.

The Davao City vice mayor posted on Facebook on Friday, June 17, a photo of a temporary operator’s permit (TOP) issued to him.

According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) website, a TOP is used in apprehending drivers or operators caught violating traffic rules. In short, it is given once an officer confiscates a person’s driver’s license.

Based on the post of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest child, he was apprehended for overspeeding along a highway near Barangay Bangkal in Davao City.

Executive Order No. 39, issued in 2013 by his own father, states that a person driving a motor vehicle on a highway “shall drive at a careful and prudent speed.” According to the elder Duterte, EO 39 was crafted as solution to the alarming increase in traffic accidents which were caused by reckless driving and speeding.

Duterte narrated that according to the officers, his speed of 57 kph was over the limit of 40 kph.

The Davao City vice mayor added that it was the first time he was apprehended for overspeeding and was only rushing home because his wife was already angry.

He, however, commended the action of the officers for strictly enforcing the traffic rules in the city where – his father would often say – no one is above the law.

“I was told the speed limit was 40 kph! It’s bad to rush home for fear that your commander might get mad,” he wrote in Bisaya. “57 kph, so I was apprehended, it’s fair for everyone, so, don’t be afraid of your wives, thing is, be home. I admire the ambush at Bangkal.”

Duterte children ‘follow the law’

This is not the first time a Duterte offspring showed his or her “willingness” to follow the law.

In 2014, Sara Duterte-Carpio was flagged down by a traffic aide after she went beyond the speed limit on Quimpo Boulevard. The former Davao City mayor then apologized in a television interview for violating the traffic rule – or driving at 57 kph beyond the 40 kph speed limit. (READ: Only in Davao: Ex-mayor caught for speeding)

In 1999, meanwhile, Paolo was accused of mauling a hotel security guard. His father, then Davao City representative Rodrigo Duterte, said that he must face the consequences and urged the guard to file charges. However, ni charges were filed.

The older Duterte, meanwhile, submitted his resignation after this incident involving his son, but it was dismissed by then president Joseph Estrada.

Will the Duterte family remain unchanged in the next 6 years? – Rappler.com