MMDA fires, suspends ‘rotten’ traffic enforcers

MANILA, Philippines–The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has dismissed three traffic constables from the service while 23 others were suspended for their involvement in irregularities, including extortion.

“We will continue to eliminate the rotten eggs from our agency,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said on Monday, adding that he hoped that this would serve as a warning to errant personnel.

At the same time, he urged the public to go to the agency’s website (www.metrosolusyon.mmda.gov.ph.) to file complaints against any of their employees involved in illegal activities or write commendation letters for those found to be involved in laudable deeds.

Tolentino explained that the three traffic constables were dismissed for extortion, grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty.

The 23 others, he said, were suspended for periods ranging from 15 to 90 days for various violations, including issuing questionable traffic violation receipts, disregarding office regulations and committing acts constituting abuse of authority. Another 50 were issued stern warnings or reprimands for the same violations.

Tolentino said that the traffic constables who were punished were given due process as the agency investigated the allegations against them.

“I am encouraging the public to continue their vigilance and report to us any illegal activities involving our employees, and at the same time appreciate and commend honest and hardworking employees which comprise the majority,” he added. Maricar B. Brizuela