A barangay chairman in Mandaue City was caught on video traversing the highway on board his motorcycle sans crash helmet.

The traffic violator was identified as Barangay Basak Chairman Felipe (Eping) Diano.

The video captured by a netizen using the handle "La Monalux" questioned on the barangay captain violating a basic law on road safety.

In addition, La Monalux pointed out that despite the presence of a traffic enforcer, the official was not reportedly flagged.

“Hala no… ngano na siya uy, Barangay Captain Felipe… hala, unya naay team wala lagi gisita,” the uploader cited.

The video was taken along the national highway in Barangay Basak afternoon on January 5, 2026. A motorcycle rider was seen navigating the road sans helmet. Later, the violator was seen to have seemingly beaten the red light. A mark on his polo shirt gave away his identity as a barangay chairman.

The video gained various reactions.

“For awareness lang ba nga eye opener pud sa public unta dili panaminan sa uban especially sa kabatan-onan nga nagdrive sa motor nga dili gyud magdrive ta without proper helmet,” La Monalux said.

In his social media account, Diano said he was responding to an emergency. He said that an electric spark bothered members of his family, the reason why he rushed home to check the situation.

“Emergency gyud kaayo kay hapit gyud masunog akong panima'y maong wa ko makahunahuna maggamit og helmet tungod sa kakuyaw…andam ko moatubang isip amahan sa barangay, ako mangayo ko’g pasaylo,” Diano explained and apologized.

GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak tried to seek an interview with Diano on January 6, but he has not responded yet to the news team’s calls. In the afternoon, Diano posted on his social media account that he went to the office of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM).

In front of the legal counsel of TEAM, he explained his side.

He was issued a citation ticket and settled his fines worth P1,000 for non-wearing of prescribed helmet and disregarding traffic sign.

“Himoon na lang pod nato ning learning opportunity sa Mandaue, although sa among part ang TEAM naningkamot mi nga as much as possible ma-implement nato ang mga traffic rules and regulations, basin moingon sila nga naay gipili – ingnon ta wa ta kakita, pero ato na ma-appreciate if naay mo-post nga private citizens para ma-improve sab nato atong pag-implement,” said Atty. JN Ocmeja of the Legal Division of TEAM.