Dumanjug Mayor Efren “Gungun” Gica said he is committed to changing his riding habits after a motorcycle crash in Minglanilla placed him under investigation for alleged traffic violations.
Gica said the incident became a lesson that would push him to become a more responsible driver and promote road safety among motorists.
In an interview days after the July 19 collision, Gica again admitted responsibility and said he would avoid the driving behavior that contributed to the crash.
“Ang mga Tigers, mga buotan, mga tarong na. Ako ra jud tawon maoy nagpabadlong niadtong adlawa. Pero, lesson learned,” he said.
The “Tigers” refer to graduates of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group’s Executive Motorcycle Riding Course, where Gica is a member.
Gica said he would work on controlling his riding habits, particularly speeding and overtaking in unsafe areas.
“Maningkamot ko nga dili na mangatol ang akong kamot pagpakusog og dagan, og mangatol nga mag-overtake bisan asa,” Gica said.
“I admit my mistake. I’m old enough to know better. I’m sure this is truly a lesson learned for me,” he added.
Despite the incident, Gica said he would continue riding motorcycles but with a renewed commitment to safety.
“Ako ipadayag… dili ko muundang og drive. Ako ipakita sa mga tawo nga ang tawo diay kung makaamgo, unya tagaan og laing higayon sa Kahitas-an, labaw na sa Makagagahum, og laing kinabuhi, mag-usab jud diay. Labi na sa iyang attitude diha sa karsada,” he said.
The mayor figured in a collision while riding his Ducati motorcycle along the national highway in Barangay Pakigne, Minglanilla.
Dashcam footage that circulated online showed Gica’s motorcycle traveling against traffic before colliding with a Toyota Hi Ace van driven by Vincent Lacuña, who was making a U-turn at a designated opening.
Responding police officers also noted that the motorcycle had no visible license plate. Gica later explained that he removed his temporary plate because it was loosely attached and kept it inside his bag.
A day after the crash, Gica publicly apologized and accepted responsibility, saying he would not make excuses for his actions.
He later reached an agreement with the van owner to shoulder the repair costs and compensate for losses while the vehicle was unavailable.
On July 21, Gica issued another public apology through his official Facebook page and apologized to members of the HPG Executive Motorcycle Riding Course, saying his actions did not represent the group’s values of discipline and responsible riding.
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) later issued a show cause order against Gica over possible violations, including reckless driving and operating a motorcycle without a visible plate.
The agency also placed his driver’s license under a 90-day preventive suspension while the investigation is ongoing.
Gica said he accepted the sanctions and would cooperate with the LTO investigation, including paying penalties that may be imposed.
On July 24, Gica personally went to the Highway Patrol Group 7 office and surrendered his “Tigers” membership pin, saying he wanted to protect the organization’s reputation following the controversy.
HPG 7 Regional Chief Police Col. Richard Gumboc, however, declined Gica’s request to leave the group and instead encouraged him to learn from the incident.
Gica said he plans to use the experience to promote responsible motorcycle riding and remind motorists to follow traffic rules and prioritize road safety.
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