MMDA looking for driver who almost ran over traffic aide

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is looking for the female driver who tried to bump off a traffic enforcer blocking her path and then drove off to avoid being issued a parking violation ticket.

The driver, who remained unidentified as of press time but whose car has been traced, faces not only penalties for several violations, including reckless driving, but also possible jail time for disobedience to persons of authority, the MMDA said.

A video of the encounter was posted on Facebook on Tuesday.

According to the agency’s spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago, MMDA personnel were conducting clearing operations on the Mabuhay Lanes on Oct. 19, particularly on Connecticut Street in Greenhills, San Juan, when they spotted an illegally parked black Toyota Camry with license plate UFQ 833.

It turned out that the driver was still inside the car. When approached by Sandy Bilan, one of the enforcers, the driver refused to roll down her car window.

As Bilan started taking a video of the woman, another MMDA constable, Vincent Santos, stood in front of the car to prevent it from leaving.

After a stalemate that lasted about 10 minutes, the motorist maneuvered for a getaway, nearly running over Santos as she sped off.

A chase ensued but the MMDA team failed to catch up with the sedan after it turned right to the northeastern part of Greenhills.

Pialago said a check on the vehicle found that it was registered to a garments manufacturing company based in Pasig City.

“We failed to give her a citation ticket for illegal parking, but if she will renew her license, she needs to pay for all the violations she committed,” Pialago said. “We will also endorse [the case to the Land Transportation Office] for the possible suspension or cancellation of her license.”