MANILA Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Tuesday warned barangay officials, police officers and members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to not test his patience, or else he would immediately fire them and and file graft cases against them if they are found to be engaged in the protection of illegal transport terminals, illegal parking and other corrupt practices.
Estrada’s warning came after reports of the rampant illegal transport terminals and illegal parking in the city, allegedly enjoying protection from barangay officials, police officers and MTPB personnel.
The mayor also advised traffic enforcers to refrain from getting into fights with motorists and errant drivers.
“We have no rooms for enforcers who are rude and pick fights with the motorists. We know the level of pressure of your work, but government work is a serious business,” Estrada said.
Even under pressure, the mayor said traffic enforcers will have to continue the job of fixing traffic flow all the time.
He reminded them of their duty and responsibility to serve the public with a high degree of courtesy and maximum tolerance.
“I am warning all of you, refrain from engaging in corrupt practices or face harsh consequences. I will fire you and file cases against you. I am asking you to cease and desist from giving protection to those operators of illegal terminals and illegal parking,” said Estrada.
The mayor said he will be “uncompromising and unforgiving in dealing with corrupt practices, no matter how big or how small.
On the other hand, he promised to be generous to those who are honest and hardworking, but to the corrupt, “I have no patience, I will make them pay.”
Estrada asked the public to report to him the abusive behaviors they witness or experience from Manila traffic personnel or any employees of the city government.
“Those who are afraid they can come forward to me and submit statements,” Estrada said.
To those who have been treated well by honest and industrious traffic enforcers, the mayor also asked to report to him so they can be rewarded.
He said that transport groups such as Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines or Fejodap, Pasang Masda and Piston had promised to help the city government to get rid of all illegal terminals and illegal parking in the city.
