Tinio demands dismissal of 'abusive' MMDA official over viral teacher incident, vlogging violations
ACT Teachers Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio today demanded the immediate dismissal, and not just the temporary suspension, of Gabriel Go, the head of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Operations Group – Task Force for Road Clearing.
The veteran legislator issued the statement following the viral video of Go apprehending a male teacher and subsequently posting the encounter on his personal social media page, despite standing orders from the MMDA leadership prohibiting such actions.
“Dapat sibakin sa pwesto si Gabriel Go dahil sa paulit-ulit niyang paglabag sa direktiba ng sarili niyang ahensya,” Tinio stressed. “Hindi sapat ang suspensyon para sa isang opisyal na ginagawang ‘content’ para sa kanyang personal social media page, while on official time, ang pang-aabuso sa ating mga mamamayan, lalo na sa ating mga guro na naglilingkod nang tapat sa bayan.”
Tinio pointed out that Go’s behavior highlights a deeper culture of arrogance and impunity within certain enforcement units. He noted that Go ignored the teacher’s plea not to post the video, showing a blatant disregard for the individual’s right to privacy and dignity in exchange for social media engagement.
“That the teacher violated the helmet law is not in dispute. Law enforcers should model the right behavior, particularly the courtesy, humility, and respect that public servants owe to the public. Instead, Go exemplifies the arrogance and disregard for basic rights that that those in authority display towards the public all too often,” he added.
“Napakabastos at mapang-abuso ang asta ni Go sa ating mga guro at sa publiko. Ginagamit niya ang kapangyarihan ng MMDA para sa sariling interes at kasikatan sa social media sa halip na magpatupad ng batas nang may integridad,” Tinio added.
It can be remembered that just last year Go was involved in a similar case and he subsequently issued a formal apology to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Capt. Erik Felipe following a viral video that showed Go shaming the officer during a March 25, 2025 clearing operation in Quezon City. The incident, which involved Go ticketing the officer for illegal parking, drew sharp criticism from National Police Commission (Napolcom) chief Ralph Calinisan, who condemned the public humiliation of law enforcement.
The Deputy Minority Leader further warned that the House of Representatives will not let the matter slide. He announced that the Makabayan bloc is looking into a formal investigation once Congress resumes after the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
“Paiimbestigahan natin ito sa Kongreso. Tiyak din na mauungkat at hihingan natin ng paliwanag ang MMDA tungkol sa abusadong opisyal na ito sa darating na budget hearings,” Tinio ended. ###