Benjamin Alves reacts to 90-day suspension of viral pickup truck driver

· Actor Benjamin Alves labeled the LTO’s 90-day suspension of a viral pickup driver as "laughable," arguing that a physical assault deserves much stricter legal consequences

· Alves highlighted a stark contrast in how law enforcement treats different social classes, pointing out that those with cars get "show cause orders" while those in poverty face immediate arrest

· The actor questioned why it remains a struggle for the working class to be treated with basic respect and dignity regardless of their socioeconomic status

· While acknowledging the LTO's administrative role, Alves emphasized that more must be done beyond license suspension to protect the vulnerable from physical abuse and bullying

Kapuso actor Benjamin Alves, recently took to social media to voice his frustration over what he perceives as a disproportionate response to a clear act of bullying.

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His post was in reaction to the recent assault on a humble cart-pusher in Antipolo by a pickup truck driver, which has ignited a fierce debate about social class and the "double standards" of the Philippine legal system.

The controversy began when a pickup truck driver was caught on camera physically assaulting a man pushing a cart—striking him on the back of the head while his young daughter stood nearby, weeping.

While the Land Transportation Office (LTO) acted swiftly by issuing a 90-day preventive suspension against the driver, Alves argues that this administrative "slap on the wrist" is an insufficient remedy for an act of physical violence.

"90-day suspension for assault is laughable," Alves wrote in a poignant post. "A slap on the wrist for slapping somebody at the back of the head."

His critique goes deeper than the length of a suspension; it touches upon the systemic divide in how justice is served.

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Alves noted a bitter irony in the legal process, stating, "Show cause [order] if you have a car, immediate arrest (dampot agad) if you’re pushing a cart."

This observation resonated with thousands of Filipinos who feel that wealth often acts as a buffer against the full force of the law.

Clarifying his stance in subsequent comments, Alves noted that while he respects the LTO for exercising its jurisdiction by revoking or suspending driving privileges, the issue of physical assault belongs in a courtroom.

He expressed a deep concern for the victim, who, despite the trauma, initially hesitated to file charges due to the complexity and cost of the legal system.

"Why does this country make it so hard to live and work with dignity and respect despite one’s social class?" Alves asked, a question that strikes at the heart of the national struggle for equality.

For Alves, the incident is a microcosm of a larger societal ill: the perceived "disposability" of the poor. By speaking out, the actor joins a growing number of public figures using their platform to demand that the law be applied with the same vigor to a man in a luxury vehicle as it is to a man trying to make an honest living on the street.

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In a society striving for progress, Alves’ message is clear: justice is only true justice if it is blind to the balance of one's bank account.

Benjamin Alves is a multifaceted talent in the Philippine entertainment scene, excelling as an actor, professional model, and brand ambassador. His path to stardom was unique; he first entered the local industry under the moniker Vince Saldaña, participating in reality searches and appearing in various projects before taking a hiatus to prioritize his education. A dedicated scholar, Alves returned to his roots in Guam and graduated summa cüm laude with a degree in English Literature from the University of Guam. This academic background distinguishes him in show business, where he is often lauded as an "intellectual heartthrob." Since his relaunch under his current screen name, he has become a staple of GMA Network, leading numerous top-rated television dramas and portraying significant historical figures in critically acclaimed films like Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral.

Recently, Benjamin publicly denounced the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) suggestion that a P500 budget is sufficient for a family’s Noche Buena, calling it an insult to the working class. The actor highlighted the massive gap between government-issued price guides and the actual daily struggles of Filipinos who are grappling with skyrocketing inflation and stagnant wages. Rather than teaching citizens how to "settle" for less, Alves argued that the government should focus on lowering the cost of living by subsidizing local farmers and improving transportation networks. In a heated social media post, he suggested that discussions on budgeting should be replaced with meaningful reforms, even boldly calling for tax relief until a more transparent method of wealth distribution is established.

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Several years ago, he also took to social media to express his profound sadness following the death of Mahal, sharing his grief with fans and the entertainment community. The actor noted the bittersweet significance of having worked with Mahal on Owe My Love, which served as one of the very last television projects the comedienne completed. Alves reflected on the privilege of sharing the screen with the iconic star, stating that he felt deeply honored to have collaborated with her during their time on set together. In his emotional tribute, the actor admitted that seeing recent footage of Mahal—specifically her vlogs with companion Mygz Molino—has become a painful reminder of the great loss to the industry.

Source: KAMI.com.gh