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MMDA's Don Artes Speaks Out On Gabriel Go Incident: 'We Take This Matter Seriously'
Photo credit: Gabriel Go
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has finally broken its silence on the controversy surrounding Special Operations Group-Strike Force (SOG-SF) Head Gabriel Go. MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes addressed the issue head-on, responding to concerns raised by Senator JV Ejercito regarding a past complaint against Go and his recent actions during clearing operations.
Setting the Record Straight
According to Artes, Go initially resigned from MMDA in June 2023 and was rehired in November of the same year. At the time of his reappointment, no formal complaint or case had been filed against him. “No formal or sworn complaint, nor any supporting documentation related to the matter, was submitted to the MMDA Committee on Decorum and Investigation,” he clarified.
However, recent events have put Go back in the spotlight, with allegations surfacing about past misconduct and his approach to enforcing MMDA regulations. Artes acknowledged that while MMDA enforcers face daily challenges, they are expected to uphold professionalism at all times.
MMDA’s Stand on the Issue
“We remind all our employees that we are public servants and should treat everyone with respect and courtesy,” Artes stated. “Even in times of aggression, we must exercise maximum tolerance and compassion. But we are only human—sometimes, our zealousness in enforcing traffic laws gets the best of us.”
Regarding Go’s actions during recent clearing operations, MMDA has already issued him a show cause order. Artes emphasized that due process will be followed and, if found guilty of any misconduct, appropriate penalties will be imposed.
A Public Apology and Moving Forward
The MMDA chief also acknowledged the public’s concerns, issuing an apology for any inconvenience caused. He noted that the agency had reached out to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Napolcom, and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to ensure that this “isolated incident” does not strain their working relationship.
“A proper apology should be made to Captain Erik Felipe for the harm this may have caused him and his family,” Artes said.
Senator JV Ejercito’s Questions
Senator Ejercito had earlier questioned why Go was rehired despite allegations of sexual harassment. In a social media post, he claimed that a complaint had been filed against Go by a female MMDA traffic enforcer, which allegedly led to his resignation. Ejercito called on Chairman Artes to explain the decision to bring Go back into MMDA’s ranks.
“Napakalakas naman ata ni Gabriel Go sa inyo, Chairman Artes, at pinalamig lang ang isyu ng sexual harassment para kunin muli siya sa MMDA?” Ejercito wrote.
What’s Next?
With a show cause order already issued and MMDA acknowledging the incident, all eyes are now on how the agency will handle the matter. Will this be a simple slap on the wrist, or will real consequences follow?
One thing’s for sure—this won’t be the last we hear of Gabriel Go.
Setting the Record Straight
According to Artes, Go initially resigned from MMDA in June 2023 and was rehired in November of the same year. At the time of his reappointment, no formal complaint or case had been filed against him. “No formal or sworn complaint, nor any supporting documentation related to the matter, was submitted to the MMDA Committee on Decorum and Investigation,” he clarified.
However, recent events have put Go back in the spotlight, with allegations surfacing about past misconduct and his approach to enforcing MMDA regulations. Artes acknowledged that while MMDA enforcers face daily challenges, they are expected to uphold professionalism at all times.
MMDA’s Stand on the Issue
“We remind all our employees that we are public servants and should treat everyone with respect and courtesy,” Artes stated. “Even in times of aggression, we must exercise maximum tolerance and compassion. But we are only human—sometimes, our zealousness in enforcing traffic laws gets the best of us.”
Regarding Go’s actions during recent clearing operations, MMDA has already issued him a show cause order. Artes emphasized that due process will be followed and, if found guilty of any misconduct, appropriate penalties will be imposed.
A Public Apology and Moving Forward
The MMDA chief also acknowledged the public’s concerns, issuing an apology for any inconvenience caused. He noted that the agency had reached out to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Napolcom, and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) to ensure that this “isolated incident” does not strain their working relationship.
“A proper apology should be made to Captain Erik Felipe for the harm this may have caused him and his family,” Artes said.
Senator JV Ejercito’s Questions
Senator Ejercito had earlier questioned why Go was rehired despite allegations of sexual harassment. In a social media post, he claimed that a complaint had been filed against Go by a female MMDA traffic enforcer, which allegedly led to his resignation. Ejercito called on Chairman Artes to explain the decision to bring Go back into MMDA’s ranks.
“Napakalakas naman ata ni Gabriel Go sa inyo, Chairman Artes, at pinalamig lang ang isyu ng sexual harassment para kunin muli siya sa MMDA?” Ejercito wrote.
What’s Next?
With a show cause order already issued and MMDA acknowledging the incident, all eyes are now on how the agency will handle the matter. Will this be a simple slap on the wrist, or will real consequences follow?
One thing’s for sure—this won’t be the last we hear of Gabriel Go.
Apr 2, 2025
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