BLIND ITEM # 3: His Andres Bonifacio-like Temperament

Who is this local official?

This local official is in the news again, after his short-lived romance with a very controversial all-media personality. But it is not about his personal life this time. 

Social networks are ablaze with a video showing the said official slapping a suspected Chinese drug dealer inside the latter's car, in full view of many onlookers and caught on camera by the news crew of a TV network.

This official’s behavior was uncalled for in my opinion, since the suspect did not show any aggression and resistance to arrest. How can he possibly do so when he was handcuffed immediately by the authorities? I guess what caught the ire of the official was the suspect’s refusal to answer his questions due to language barrier (the suspect was pointing to his own ears).

In the video, the Chinese was slapped twice by the local official. Now the question is, what right did this official have to hurt the person? He must be reminded that the suspect is innocent until proven guilty, and that the suspect did not deserve such maltreatment and public humiliation since he has constitutionally guaranteed rights as a person.

Due process please. 

On a side note, do I smell racial discrimination here? Would the official slap the suspect if the latter happened to be a kababayan?

A day after, this official apologized for the act he committed. It was a good thing that he realized how flawed his behavior was. Hello Commission on Human Rights! But sorry, no amount of apologies will douse the bitter after taste that it left. 

It was not his nature according to our dear local official. So how would he describe his public outburst then?

As a public official, much is expected of you. So next time, show some poise and decency, and learn how to tame your Andres Bonifacio-like temperament.