Baguio Police to file charges vs. abusive driver, spares judge who allegedly intervened

The Baguio City Police chief on Sunday said authorities will continue to file charges against a drunk taxi driver who tried to run over a cop recently.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Baguio City Police chief Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said the charges are set to be filed on Monday against Jone Dominguez Buclay.

“Possible po na bukas natin maihain ang nasa five kaso laban sa taxi driver,” Co said.

Co: Possible po na bukas natin maihain ang nasa 5 kaso laban sa taxi driver. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) January 4, 2020

These include influence of liquor, direct assault upon an agent of a person in authority, resisting arrest, grave threat, and oral defamation.

However, Co added no criminal charges will be filed against Baguio City Judge Roberto Mabalot, who fetched the driver at the police station and allegedly intimidated the police for Buclay’s release.

“Wala po kaming criminal charges na ihahain laban kay Judge as of now,” Co said.

The Supreme Court's Office of the Court Administrator, which supervises all judges and court personnel in the country, said it is already looking into the matter involving the Baguio judge. 

On December 31, the taxi driver tried to run over Patrolman Julius Walang, who was assigned at the Baguio City Traffic Enforcement Unit.

In a viral video, Walang was seen hanging on the hood of the taxi as Buclay was trying to flee due to a traffic violation.

Buclay was later on brought to the Baguio City Police Station to face charges, when suddenly Judge Mabalot came and fetched the driver.

Police said Mabalot shouted at them without asking about the incident.

“Pumunta po siya doon, not knowing na ganoon po ka-grabe 'yun. There was an ongoing valid police investigation,” Co said.

According to Co, the police officers were intimated after Mabalot requested for the release of the driver.

Co added that the judge’s opinion was respected given his specialization in law.

“Nangamba ang ating mga pulis na baka sila ang makasuhan dahil sa pakikialam ng hukom,” he said.

Mabalot denied that he interfered with the case. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News