San Juan Metropolis Mayor Francis Zamora addressed the incident involving Lexter Castro, a 21-year-old resident who went viral on social media for his antics through the metropolis’s Wattah Wattah Pageant, in a media briefing on Tuesday on the Mayor’s Workplace, San Juan Metropolis Corridor.
Castro, who has been dubbed “Boy Dila” for dousing a motorbike rider with water utilizing a water gun whereas sticking his tongue out, expressed his regrets throughout a gathering with Zamora.
The incident, which was caught on video and shortly garnered hundreds of thousands of views, has stirred vital controversy and criticism from netizens. The video reveals Castro’s actions, which many deemed disrespectful and reckless, resulting in widespread backlash.
Initially, Castro responded to the criticism by posting defiant movies that additional aggravated the state of affairs. Nevertheless, he has since issued a public apology and sought a gathering with Zamora to personally specific his regret.
READ: San Juan Metropolis probes reported ‘Basaan 2024’ chaos
Through the media briefing, the mayor emphasised the significance of accountable conduct and the affect of actions on the neighborhood. He acknowledged the festive spirit of the Wattah Wattah Pageant, a celebration identified for its playful water-dousing traditions, however harassed the necessity for individuals to train warning and respect in the direction of others.
“Whereas the Wattah Wattah Pageant is a time for enjoyable and celebration, it’s important to keep in mind that our actions have penalties,” Zamora said. “Lexter Castro’s conduct, although meant in jest, crossed the road and resulted in pointless misery for others. We admire his willingness to come back ahead, apologize, and take accountability for his actions.”
Castro, who attended the briefing with a humble demeanor, reiterated his remorse over the incident. “I deeply remorse my actions through the competition,” he mentioned in Filipino. “What was meant as a playful second was one thing dangerous and disrespectful. I perceive the gravity of my mistake and the affect it had on the neighborhood and the motorcyclist concerned. I’m actually sorry.”
Mayor Zamora urged Castro to chorus from posting additional movies that would taunt or inflame the state of affairs. He highlighted the significance of utilizing social media responsibly and the potential for optimistic affect.
“We dwell in an age the place social media has a major affect on our lives,” Zamora famous. “It’s essential to make use of these platforms to advertise kindness, respect, and optimistic conduct. I’ve requested Lexter to keep away from any posts which will worsen the state of affairs and as an alternative give attention to constructive actions.”
In his apology through the press convention, Castro addressed individuals who have been offended by his actions, acknowledging their considerations and expressing his dedication to vary.
“I perceive the anger and frustration my actions prompted,” he mentioned within the video. “I need to guarantee everybody that I’ve discovered from this expertise. I’m dedicated to changing into a greater particular person” he once more mentioned in Filipino.
Zamora counseled Castro’s determination to satisfy personally and apologize, highlighting it as big a step in the direction of humility.
“It takes braveness to confess one’s errors and search forgiveness,” he mentioned. “Lexter’s determination to satisfy with me and apologize in particular person reveals his sincerity and willingness to make amends. I hope this serves as a lesson to everybody, particularly our youth, in regards to the significance of accountability and respect.”
Mayor Zamora and Castro additionally urged netizens to cease making faux bookings and deliveries addressed to the latter’s residence.
“Itigil na po natin ang mga faux reserving at faux supply dahil ang nabibiktima po nito at naaapektuhan ay ang mga supply riders and sellers po natin,” Zamora mentioned.
“Maawa po kayo sa mga riders. Sila po ang nabibiktima ninyo sa mga ginagawa ninyong faux reserving,” Castro added.
The briefing concluded with a reminder of town’s dedication to fostering a protected and respectful surroundings for all residents and guests. Mayor Zamora known as on the neighborhood to uphold the values of empathy and understanding, notably throughout festivals and public occasions.
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“San Juan Metropolis is understood for its vibrant tradition and sense of neighborhood,” Zamora remarked. “Allow us to proceed to rejoice our traditions with pleasure and accountability, guaranteeing that everybody can take pleasure in these moments with out hurt or disrespect. Subsequent 12 months, we intend to implement main adjustments corresponding to designating a ‘basaan zone’ the place dousing of water will completely be completed. Dousing of water in locations outdoors the ‘basaan zone’ will likely be prohibited.”
“We intend to amend our 2018 Metropolis Ordinance to handle all loopholes and grey areas and additional enhance the penalties for violators,” Mayor Zamora mentioned and added, “We need to make Wattah Wattah San Juan Pageant a fiesta not only for San Juaneños however for everybody who needs to emulate the blessed work of Jesus Christ and St. John the Baptist.”
