Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito revealed on Tuesday that the former police officer involved in the viral gun-toting incident had a history of 10 previous charges as well as incident reports from his barangay.
The cases include obstruction, perjury, robbery, frustrated homicide, grave and light threats, coercion, and firearm-related cases.
During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Tuesday, Ejercito questioned how former police officer Wilfredo Gonzales acquired a permit to carry firearms from the Philippine National Police (PNP) despite having “anger management issues” and a history of multiple cases in his barangay.
Ejercito emphasized the role of the PNP Firearms and Explosive Office in evaluating anger management issues of individuals seeking firearm permits.
“When you’re granted a license to carry firearms or own firearms, especially a permit to carry firearms outside of residence, there should be a psychological test and neuro test. They [PNP] should check for anger management,” he said.
Last week, Ejercito filed a resolution seeking to investigate the road rage incident that occurred in Quezon City last August involving a cyclist and the dismissed police officer, wherein the latter assaulted and held the former at gunpoint.
The investigation aims to assess and review the effectiveness of existing laws and regulations in safeguarding and ensuring safe road usage for all, the resolution read.
Ejercito believes that it is imperative to determine the necessity of crafting legislation to prevent road rage as well as to protect civilians using public roads against violence.
He also reminded the public to be extra patient when riding or driving in the metropolis.