Legal action has been taken against two individuals involved in the recent Wattah Wattah Festival in San Juan City after they inconvenienced passersby by spraying water during the celebrations.
Complaints and Charges
Among the complainants was a delivery rider who filed cases of unjust vexation and slander against a San Juan resident. The rider claimed that video footage showed two individuals spraying water on him, which resulted in damage to his phone. Despite his request not to be drenched, the residents continued to spray water, leading to an altercation where the rider pushed a resident’s hand away and was subsequently struck on the helmet.
“I told him, ‘Boss, not now because my cellphone will get wet.’ I use my cell phone every day. Now I can no longer deliver because it was damaged,” the rider recounted on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.
Settlements and Further Complaints
A couple also filed complaints at Barangay Batis due to the inconvenience caused by the water spraying, but this matter was settled at the barangay level.
The San Juan local government reported that two individuals were formally charged, while three faced complaints for violating city ordinances. Two individuals were initially charged with coercion, but these charges were later withdrawn.
A viral video also captured a man sticking his tongue out while spewing water on riders, but San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora noted that no ordinances were violated based on the video. “There are no ordinances against sticking your tongue out or using a water gun,” he said. No complaints have been filed against this individual.
Ordinances and Future Precautions
Mayor Zamora emphasized the necessity of having a private complainant for charges to be filed with the Prosecutor’s Office. He also highlighted that a San Juan city ordinance prohibits forcibly opening vehicles to drench passengers and clambering on top or shaking vehicles.
To prevent similar incidents in future Wattah Wattah Festivals, the local government plans to designate specific areas where water spraying will be permitted.