Allacapan, Cagayan —Former Allacapan, Cagayan mayor Harry Florida has spoken out after his viral video drew widespread criticism, denying allegations of a “gas-and-run” incident and clarifying that the footage was taken out of context. He insisted the man seen chasing his SUV was a longtime companion, not a gasoline station attendant, and apologized to the public for any offense caused.

The viral video, which quickly spread across social media, appeared to show a man running after a departing SUV, prompting speculation that the vehicle had fled a gasoline station without paying. Florida, however, dismissed the accusations as “fake news” and explained that the man, identified as Tyson, was his close friend of more than 30 years. 

“Si Tyson kasi sidekick. Kasa-kasama ko lang talaga. Biglang nakita kami na palabas kaya hinabol kami,” Florida said, adding that the incident was part of their usual playful interactions.

He further clarified that he owns the gasoline station involved in the controversy and that no fuel purchase occurred at the time. “Kung minsan, nagkukulitan kami niyan. Daming mga kulitan, dami naming ginagawang vlog. Daming ginagawang eksena,” he explained, stressing that the chase was staged content and not a real dispute. Florida later revealed that Tyson joined them in the vehicle and they went together to eat after the incident.

Despite his explanation, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a show cause order against Florida and two other occupants of the SUV. Authorities suspended the driver’s license for 90 days and placed the vehicle under alarm status while the investigation continues. 

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao condemned the act, saying, “Hindi katanggap-tanggap na gawing biro o content ang isang sitwasyong malinaw na naglalagay sa kapwa sa panganib.”

Florida has since apologized to those offended by the video. “Pasensya na po kung sa mata ng iba ay hindi po nakakatuwa sa inyo. Pero ‘yun po ay sa aming dalawa po ‘yun. Sa amin po ‘yun. Wala po tayong magagawa kung ganun po ang inyong pananaw. Eh, humihingi po tayo ng paumanhin,” he said. He also vowed to respect whatever decision the government makes regarding the case. 

“Kung anuman ang parusa na gagawin ng ating gobyerno sa amin dahil lang sa maling video na ‘yun ay nasa sa inyo na po ‘yun. Nirerespeto namin kung anuman ang magiging pasya dahil ako rin po ay naging public servant,” he added.

The incident has sparked wider discussions about the ethics of creating viral content, with critics noting that such pranks can mislead audiences and damage reputations. Editorials have pointed out that the controversy reflects how far some individuals will go “for da content,” raising concerns about responsibility and decency in social media culture.

Florida’s statement may ease some of the backlash, but the case remains under investigation, and the former mayor’s future behind the wheel could be at risk as authorities weigh possible sanctions, including a lifetime driving ban.

Image from Elizabeth Malaca Castro