MMDA fires 2 traffic enforcers, investigates 7 others

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Two traffic constables have been dismissed from service while seven others were suspended for alleged extortion, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, however, did not identify the two traffic constables who were fired, saying in a press release that they had been assigned to man traffic along along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City and had been hired on a job order basis.

“This is part of our regular efforts to cleanse our ranks.  We will never tolerate any wrongdoing from our employees,” Tolentino said.

He said the decision to fire the two came after several months of hearings by the agency’s legal department proved that both had engaged in corrupt practices.
Seven more traffic constables are facing administrative charges of grave misconduct and have been placed on preventive suspension for 90 days for allegedly being involved in extortion.

Traffic Constables Rommel Millanes, Larry Tibos, Romeo Rabaya, Ariel Merin, Elmer Santos, Marlo Gateos, and Cesar Aguilar, all on permanent employment status, would be dismissed from the service if proven guilty of the charges filed against them.
The MMDA chief said appropriate criminal charges will be filed consequently against the erring employees.

“They will, however, be still accorded due process and fair hearings,” he added.

Warning employees that the MMDA will not tolerate illegal practices, Tolentino said that terminating erring personnel would be part of their “regular effort to cleanse their ranks.”

“Let this serve as a stern warning to all our erring employees.  We will enforce the laws without prejudice to anyone,” he said.

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