BACOLOD City – A vehicular accident on Saturday, Nov. 25, on B.S. Aquino Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, has sparked controversy involving a city councilor. Councilor Israel Salanga, addressing the issue on Facebook, refuted claims that he owned or was driving the pickup truck that crashed into Quan Delicacies, a food store, around 6:30 a.m.
In his post, Salanga disclosed that the vehicle belonged to his brother, Mark Gabriel, substantiating his claim with the vehicle’s registration certificate and surveillance footage of the accident. He urged skeptics to verify the facts with the Land Transportation Office and the car dealership.
The councilor felt compelled to clarify the events surrounding the accident due to growing speculation about the vehicle’s ownership. He remarked, “Although there is no need for an explanation since it was not a crime and the matter has been settled, as a public servant, I am subject to public scrutiny and owe this clarification.”
Salanga revealed that on the day of the accident, he had broken his arm after slipping in the bath and requested his staff to drive him to the hospital. The police report identified the driver as Andres Enrico Realubit, a resident of Bacolod City.
Realubit, after dropping Salanga at the emergency room, lost control of the vehicle while attempting to park in front of the food establishment. The pickup truck damaged glass walls, chairs and tables.
Following the incident, an agreement was reached, with Realubit compensating the damaged party P85,000, as noted in the city police report./PN
