Filipinos hoped others could emulate actor Niño Muhlach, who took responsibility after falling asleep behind the wheel, resulting in a road crash.
The actor vehicle crashed along Marcos Highway in Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City, on Sunday, August 23, injuring an eatery customer and hitting into three establishments.
His vehicle also struck a parked motorcycle, which became lodged underneath his sport-utility vehicle (SUV).
The injured individual was brought to a hospital for medical attention with the medical expenses covered by Niño.
The actor also reached a settlement with the owners of establishments whose properties were damaged in the crash.
Police reports said Niño’s vehicle was on its way to Masinag when it allegedly experienced engine trouble, causing him to lose control of the steering wheel.
The actor later said that the findings were based on the police’s preliminary investigation.
“I am issuing this official statement to set the record straight regarding the recent vehicular accident involving my vehicle. First and foremost, I want to clarify that I had not previously given any personal statement regarding the incident,” Niño said in a statement on Monday, August 24.
“The initial information released stating that the crash was caused by mechanical failure was based solely on the preliminary findings of the police investigation, not from my own words,” he added.
“I want to be completely clear and honest: the accident was entirely my fault. Due to an extremely demanding and exhausting schedule, I fell asleep behind the wheel,” the actor said.
“Because the incident occurred on a Sunday, my regular driver was on his scheduled day off, and I was driving myself. While fatigue overtook me, that is no excuse. Falling asleep at the wheel led directly to hitting a pedestrian and damaging nearby establishments,” he added.
“I take full personal and legal responsibility for what happened. My priority right now is ensuring that the affected individual receives all necessary care, support, and medical assistance, and that all damages caused to the properties and establishments are fully compensated and rectified,” the actor said.
Niño said he is “deeply sorry to the victim, their family, and everyone affected” by his “negligence.”
He added that he is “fully cooperating with authorities” as the matter is being resolved.
The actor’s statement was well received by Filipinos, who noted that he showed accountability for his actions instead of running away.
“Now this is how you take accountability for your actions. No lengthy excuses or complicated stories. Just a clear admission, genuine concern for the victims, and a clear commitment to fix it,” transport advocate James Deakin said in a repost.
“We all make mistakes. To err is human. Being brave enough to accept and admit that and face all consequences is admirable in this day and age,” he added.
“Accidents happen. While this may have been caused by negligence, no one wanted it to happen. Salute to this man for owning his mistake, not making excuses, and taking full responsibility,” another Facebook user wrote.
“Accountability doesn’t undo what happened, but it says a lot about a person’s character. Sana lang, ganito rin lahat ng mga pulitiko natin,” the Facebook user added.
“Proud of you, BRO, for choosing to tell the truth, admit your fault, and take full responsibility—no excuses, no cover-up. That takes courage and integrity. Proud of you!” another commented.
“Accident happens. But Niño did not run and hide from his accountabilities and responsibilities. He admitted his fault and willing to settle the damages and injuries,” a different Pinoy wrote.
“I admire Niño for admitting his guilt. Hope if ever, there will be more of his kind in this case,” another commented.
Drivers, as license holders, are expected to practice safe, defensive driving for their own safety and that of other motorists and pedestrians.
This includes staying alert while driving and refraining from operating a vehicle when fatigued or drowsy to avoid becoming a hazard on the road.
Experts said that drowsy driving can impair a driver’s reaction time, decision-making and attention, increasing the risk of crashes.
