If a body floats on the river, don’t be surprised—Isko Moreno

Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Unable to hide his anger, Manila Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso warned arrogant vehicle owners and corrupt policemen to keep their acts together and follow traffic rules, otherwise they could face an “unorthodox” punishment.

“Kung may nakita man kayong lumutang na katawan sa ilog, huwag na kayong magtaka, (If a body floats on the river, don’t be surprised),” said Domagoso in a radio interview on Saturday morning.

Radio hosts Vic de Leon Lima and David Oro were asking Domagoso what he and Mayor Joseph Estrada were doing over problems about motorists who waywardly parked their vehicles in street corners and undesignated areas, which cause heavy traffic.

Domagoso said he and Estrada are doing their best to remedy these perennial headaches. He said sometimes, traffic enforcers are “helpless” over some violators, hinting how they could be bribed or overpowered by influential people.

He said more often than not, the law breakers are police men themselves. He singled out a police captain who is always caught by traffic enforcers parking his car in “No Parking” areas and is never fined.  He also hinted this rogue cop is involved in collecting money from truck drivers.

“Bwak__nang-inang yan,” Domagoso said, “Huwag na kayong magtaka kung isang araw may bumulagta na lang sa daan (Don’t be surprised if one day you see a body on the street.)

Since the start of their administration, Domagoso and Estrada have been hell-bent in easing traffic in Manila.  Buses without private terminals and ten-wheeler trucks have been banned in major thoroughfares in the city. Tricycles from neighboring cities that are caught inside Manila streets are impounded.

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