The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is investigating the case of two traffic enforcers who were caught on a now viral video extorting money from a motorcycle rider in Parañaque City.
MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. instructed the Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) to conduct the probe.
“We will never tolerate extortion, bribery, and other forms of corruption among our personnel. Those two traffic enforcers will be dealt with accordingly. Charges will be filed against them,” said Abalos.
The MMDA did not identify the enforcers involved but said the incident happened in Barangay Baclaran, Parañaque City.
The case came a month after the agency dismissed from the service two other traffic enforcers found guilty of extortion and grave misconduct.
The dismissed enforcers — Edmon Belleca and Christian Malemit, both permanent employees assigned at the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) — were also caught in a viral video asking P1,000 bribe money from a motorist who they apprehended for reckless driving and for violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.
The incident happened at the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and A. Bonifacio near the North Luzon Expressway.
“May this serve as a stern warning to all our personnel who are involved in corrupt activities. We shall not hesitate to fire them and file charges against them,” said Abalos.
He encouraged the public to report any unscrupulous activities among MMDA personnel via the agency’s social media platforms and hotline 136 for appropriate action.
“We are serious in our campaign to weed out all erring personnel in the agency. And we need the public’s help to identify these individuals engaged in illegalities. Rest assured that the MMDA will act swiftly on these kinds of unlawfulness,” the MMDA chief said.
