A cellphone video uploaded on Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation’s Facebook account on Sunday shows a Metro Manila Development Authority enforcer who seemed could not get his bearings as he stumbles and sways along the southbound lane of the Main Avenue Edsa busway. On board his motorcycle, the enforcer who is apparently under the influence of alcohol, hit two commuters. Screengrab from SAICT Facebook video
MANILA, Philippines — A visibly drunk Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcer aboard a motorcycle injured two commuters at the Edsa busway, the Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (SAICT) said.
The enforcer’s identity is yet to be determined.
In a cellphone video of one of the victims uploaded on SAICT’s Facebook account on Sunday, the MMDA personnel can be seen stumbling and swaying, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, along the southbound lane of the Main Avenue Edsa busway.
“Ayon sa report, nagtamo ng sugat at galos ang dalawang komyuter na nahagip sa mabilis na patakbo nito sa kahabaan ng Edsa busway sa dahilan na hindi niya alam na babaan at sakayan ito ng mga pasahero,” SAICT said in the caption.
(According to the report, two commuters sustained wounds and abrasions after being hit by the over speeding MMDA enforcer along the Edsa busway. This happened because the driver was unaware that it was a designated drop-off and boarding area for passengers.)
According to SAICT, a driver and conductor sought help from Philippine Coast Guard personnel on duty in the area.
It was noted that the MMDA enforcer, aside from refusing to turnover his license, even asked the personnel to spare him since they are both enforcers of the law.
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“Bukod sa pagtangging ibigay ang kanyang lisensya sa mga ito, nagawa pang magalit ng enforcer at nagsabing ‘wag siyang pag-initan bagkus ay tulungan sa kadahilanan na magkakasama sila sa pagpapatupad ng batas trapiko,” said SAICT.
(Aside from refusing to surrender his license to them, the enforcer even got angry and said not to pick on him, but instead, help him because they are enforcing traffic laws together.)
SAICT is the intelligence arm of the Department of Transportation operating in the transport sector. It is implementing a comprehensive anti-colorum strategy that includes intensified operations, intelligence gathering and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies.
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SAICT said that the enforcer may face sanctions from the MMDA.
The MMDA told reporters that MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes has already ordered an investigation into the matter in order to penalize the driver.
The type of sanction will depend on the enforcer’s employment status, it added.
If he is under a job order contract, then he will be immediately terminated, but if he is a regular employee, a due process will be followed.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation reminded the public that the law does not exempt anyone.