By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The British national who allegedly disrespected a Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) traffic enforcer by writing profane language on a citation ticket issued to him last month surfaced yesterday and issued a public apology.

Benjamin James Oates, currently a resident of Barangay Alegria in Murcia, Negros Occidental met with Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and BTAO head, Police Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, to issue an apology after he was apprehended by BTAO enforcer Roilan Gulmatico for violating traffic regulations.

According to Oates, he parked his vehicle for two minutes along Lacson Street last February 6 and said he was “under pressure” after writing profane language on the citation ticket.

Oates said it was never his intention to commit the incident and he hopes the city government does not file a criminal case against him.

Oates said he has been a resident of Bacolod for five years and is currently staying in the city while waiting for his work contract.

Acebuche, meanwhile, said it would be left to the discretion of Gulmatico if he withdraws the charges against Oates, since he is the complainant in the case.

He also said the administrative case against Oates has already been forwarded to the Land Transportation Office (LTO); however, his public apology may influence the decision.

Last month, City Legal Officer, Atty. Joselito Bayatan, said his office will pursue charges against Oates.

He also commented on Oates behavior as a “sorry state” since Filipinos often look to western culture for “higher civilized standards” of social ethics.

Last month, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) director Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo said if it is proven the foreign national was indeed responsible for the social media post displaying the profane message, the action may result in a maximum prison sentence of six years./DGB, WDJ