MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City Council will investigate the heated confrontation between District 2 Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica and a Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforcer during the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally on Wednesday, July 1.

In a statement released on Thursday, July 2, the council said it would conduct “an impartial inquiry into the incident to establish the relevant facts and determine whether any actions taken were consistent with the standards of conduct expected of public officials.”

The council, led by Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, stressed that while public officials have a duty to raise legitimate concerns and demand accountability, “such responsibility must always be exercised with respect, professionalism, and due regard for the dignity and rights of others.”

Ludovica joined the INC-led rally in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who is under investigation for plunder and facing possible arrest.

A video captured by ABS-CBN News showed Ludovica and other INC members confronting an LTO enforcer who was issuing traffic tickets to illegally parked vehicles near the Corinthian Gardens gate along EDSA, about 850 meters from White Plains Avenue, where INC members were holding a protest.

The crowd, including Ludovica, repeatedly chanted “tuta, tuta, tuta” (lapdog). Others were recording the enforcer on their mobile phones.

In one video, Ludovica pointed his finger at the enforcer and called him a “lapdog who follows an addict president.”

Ludovica said that the illegally parked vehicles along EDSA could not be impounded and accused the enforcer of being “very biased” while pointing his finger at him.

The LTO enforcer responded that he was only carrying out his duties.

Traffic

The two-day INC rally caused heavy traffic congestion along EDSA, catching commuters off guard after the group staged its first-day protest on Tuesday, June 30, without a permit from the local government.

The unannounced gathering forced motorists and commuters to endure longer-than-usual travel times. A private bus of INC-run New Era University was seen blocking the northbound EDSA Busway.

The INC later secured a permit for the rally’s second day on Wednesday. The Quezon City government also initially issued a permit for Thursday, July 2, but later revoked it, citing the “severe difficulties being experienced by the general public due to the conduct of the rally.”

Following the revocation, the INC transferred its protest to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, where it continued its demonstration. This prompted the Manila City government to cancel classes at all levels in both private and public schools in anticipation of heavy traffic.

Past controversies

It was not the first time Ludovica was linked to controversy.

In August 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ludovica — then head of the Quezon City Task Force Disiplina — threatened violators of the modified enhanced community quarantine with a “shoot-to-kill” policy.

He later clarified that his Facebook post referring to a “shoot-to-kill” policy reflected only his personal views.

In 2017, the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 40 found Ludovica guilty of falsifying his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth in 2005.

Based on an Inquirer report, Ludovica falsified his SALN in 2005 after failing to disclose his business interests in the “Jessa Zaragoza Phenomenal Entertainment” company.

Ludovica, however, said that he was not yet an elected official when he signed the SEC declaration for the said entertainment company. – Rappler.com