Allacapan, Cagayan – A former mayor and content creator from Cagayan is facing heavy online backlash after a prank video posted around April 18 to 19, 2026, involving an elderly gasoline attendant went viral, sparking outrage among netizens who criticized the act as disrespectful and insensitive.
In a now-deleted video, Harry Florida, also known online as HF Florida, was allegedly seen participating in a staged scenario where a fuel attendant, known as “Tyson,” was made to chase a vehicle that appeared to be leaving without paying.
The clip showed the elderly man running after a moving Toyota Land Cruiser along the Maharlika Highway in Allacapan under the heat of the sun, while laughter and remarks could be heard in the background.
Viewers were particularly disturbed by comments in the video that appeared to mock the attendant’s condition, with some remarks implying he had nothing to eat. The footage quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.
“Sige, habol! Inkami ag-meryenda lang, mabati kan. Inkami ag-meryenda garud, apay umay ka? Naimas diay meryendaen mi,” the cameraman—believed to be Florida—can be heard saying in the video.
Many online users pointed out that the incident struck a deeper chord, highlighting the reality that some elderly Filipinos continue to work in physically demanding jobs to make ends meet.
Some argued that turning such a situation into entertainment, whether real or staged, reflects a lack of empathy.
The scripted video
As the backlash intensified, claims surfaced that the video was scripted. It was later clarified that the elderly man, known as Tyson, is a friend of Florida and not an actual gasoline attendant, and that he voluntarily participated in the video. The scene was reportedly pre-planned as part of a prank for content creation.
However, this clarification did little to ease public anger, with many insisting that staged content does not justify portraying individuals—especially those perceived as vulnerable—in a humiliating manner.
“Ke (kahit) scripted ke hinde, di pa rin ‘yan magandang halimbawa sa lahat—vlogging is about giving fun and inspiration to everyone, not bullying someone just to be famous,” one commenter said.
“It costs nothing to be kind, but it costs a person their dignity when they are treated like this. Watching an elderly man forced to run just to get paid for his hard work is beyond heartbreaking,” another added.
Authorities step in
The issue has since reached authorities. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a Show Cause Order against those involved, citing possible violations such as reckless driving. The driver’s license has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension, while the vehicle has been flagged.
The viral vlogger
Florida is a former mayor of Allacapan. He ran for a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2025 elections but lost in Cagayan’s 2nd district race to incumbent candidate Baby Alfonso.
He is also the husband of the current Allacapan mayor, Yvonne Kathrina S. Florida.
As of this writing, Florida has yet to issue an official statement regarding the issue. The controversy continues to spark online debate, with netizens divided on whether the video was merely entertainment or a clear case of insensitivity toward a perceived vulnerable individual.
In a report, it was said that the Mayor owned the gasoline station where the attendant was working.
.png)
