Bulacan gov still tight-lipped on NLEx 'road rage' incident

Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando declined to address allegations surrounding a supposed road rage incident on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), including claims that he pursued or blocked the convoy of one of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s sons.

In an interview on Susan Enriquez’s vlog, Fernando was repeatedly asked to give his side on the alleged incident in which his convoy supposedly chased or intercepted the vehicle carrying Vinny Marcos. On multiple occasions, however, he gave evasive responses.

“Ma’am, huwag na natin pag-usapan ’yan (Ma’am, let’s not talk about that anymore),” Fernando said, appearing visibly uncomfortable whenever the issue was raised.

The governor also refused to comment on reports of an encounter with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla after the NLEX incident, including allegations that he was mauled.

Fernando dismissed speculation about a visible lump on his forehead, clarifying that it was a long-standing medical condition.

“Matagal na po ito. Lipoma po ito… taba-taba lang po ’yan na tumutubo,” he said, adding jokingly that he had no plans to have it removed so he could have a “third eye.”

(I’ve had this for a long time. It’s a lipoma… just a fatty growth.)

The controversy stems from reports circulating online alleging aggressive behavior by the governor while traveling along NLEX, including claims that multiple lanes were cleared for his convoy and that other motorists were prevented from overtaking.

Fernando did not directly confirm or deny the accusations, instead reiterating that the matter should no longer be discussed.

“Alam ng Bulacan kung sino si Daniel Fernando. Alam nila kung ano ’yung ugali ko—kung ako ba’y abusado o hindi. Doon lang po ako tututok," he said.

(The people of Bulacan know who Daniel Fernando is. They know my character—whether I am abusive or not. That’s what I will focus on.)

He also pointed to statements already issued by government agencies.

“Malacañang na po ang nagpahayag, pati ang LTO. Sabi ko, iyon na lang igalang natin. Okay na ’yon (Malacañang has already spoken, as well as the LTO. I said we should just respect that. That’s enough),” he added.

Fernando also brushed aside rumors about his personal life, including alleged relationships with a movie actress and a broadcast journalist, saying such claims were mere “tsismis” (gossip).

Asked about issues hounding Bulacan’s flood control projects, the governor reiterated that he had no knowledge of any irregularities.

He said the provincial government was not involved, noting that the projects were implemented by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Fernando also pushed back against criticism branding Bulacan as “Lubacan” due to potholes and flooding, calling such remarks “pintas” (criticism) and politically motivated.

“Tinawag na namin ang atensyon ng DPWH noon para gawin iyon. Paninira lang ’yan (We already called the attention of the DPWH to address that. That’s just an attempt to discredit us),” he said.

He also lamented how critics mocked the province’s slogan.

“Ginawa kaming katatawanan. Catch basin po talaga ang Bulacan, lalo na ang Hagonoy at Calumpit, dahil sa tubig mula Pampanga at upstream," he said.

(They made us a laughingstock. Bulacan is really a catch basin, especially Hagonoy and Calumpit, because of water coming from Pampanga and upstream areas.)

He clarified that many of the road defects cited by critics are on national roads under the DPWH, not the provincial government.

He acknowledged Bulacan’s vulnerability to flooding, describing the province as a natural catch basin—particularly low-lying towns such as Hagonoy and Calumpit.

As a long-term solution, Fernando said Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan have jointly proposed a megadike project to Malacañang, which has been approved in principle by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and is now awaiting feasibility studies.

In the meantime, he said the provincial government continues to implement localized measures such as road elevation and barangay-level flood control projects.

Now on his final term, Fernando said he remains open to seeking a higher post but will base his decision on “what God wills” and his capacity to serve.—MCG, GMA News