It was a simple question that required a simple answer but Land Transportation Office (LTO) director Atty. Clarence Guinto flubbed it big time.
It all happened during a recent appearance on DZMM‘s "TeleRadyo," where he was interviewed by actress-TV host Amy Perez, concerning the implementation of Republic Act 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, which makes it illegal to allow children from taking the front seats.
Perez asked Guinto:
“Ang tanong, direktor, kung ang 12 years old po ninyo ay sobrang tangkad, at siya po ay lalagyan ng booster, so aangat po yun direktor, tatama ang ulo sa kotse. Hindi po ba mas delikado yun?"
Guinto replied, “Siguro T’yang Amy, laki-lakihan mo ang sasakyan mo.”
Perez retorted, “Ay wala po akong ganun. Ang pinag-uusapan po natin dito direktor Guinto ay yung karamihan po sa ating mga Kapamilya. Na kailangan din po nating i-consider po yun."
The interaction has since gone viral, with many lauding Perez for her effort to ask the right questions.
Guinto, on the other hand, was criticized for his seeming insensitivity.
Some of those who joined in on the ruckus are celebrities.
Actress Chynna Ortaleza said she "had the biggest laugh" relating Guinto's suggestion.
She went on to commend Perez in a separate post.
Meanwhile, her husband, actor and singer Kean Cipriano questioned if Guinto is being serious.