MANILA, Philippines — A viral video of a clamping incident in Tondo has ignited discussions about social media responsibility and the public’s perception of government employees. The video, uploaded by netizen RJ Vivs, allegedly showed officers from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) clamping motorcycles that supposedly had valid parking permits on Juan Luna Street on February 3, 2026.

According to the investigation, however, the clamping was lawful. The permits presented at the time were expired, prompting MTPB officers to temporarily clamp the vehicles. Minutes later, once updated permits were shown, the clamps were promptly removed.

Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso defended his staff during a live broadcast of Talk To The People, emphasizing that the uploaded video was misleading as it only captured part of the incident and excluded the resolution. He acknowledged the public’s interest in accountability but warned about the potential for social media posts to misrepresent events.

Following the controversy, RJ Vivs issued a public apology on February 9, admitting the error and clarifying that there was no intention to defame the MTPB. Mayor Isko praised the apology while urging netizens to exercise caution when sharing content that could impact the reputation of public institutions.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between citizen oversight and responsible social media use. While transparency is essential in public service, selective online portrayals can distort the truth, leading to unwarranted criticism. As digital platforms increasingly shape public perception, a key question arises: How can society ensure accountability without compromising fairness or spreading misinformation? (Larawan mula: Manila PIO / Facebook)