12 Pasig enforcers penalized over traffic violations

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve traffic enforcers were fined in Pasig City and forced to yield their vehicles for impounding after they were found driving without a license or with unregistered vehicles, local government officials said on Tuesday.

Ronnie Fernandez, the city’s traffic operations chief, conducted the surprise inspection that led to the apprehensions. This was just weeks after six of the Traffic Parking Management Office (TPMO) enforcers — better known as Pasig’s “Blue Boys” — were fired for extortion.

Mayor Vico Sotto praised the operation on his social media pages, saying that power or a position should not protect government workers from being held accountable.

“We will not allow impunity to fester among our ranks,” Sotto added. “If the old standards used to be that our uniformed personnel were exempted from traffic rules, we are now going to change that.”

Notorious

Residents of Pasig and even motorists who frequently pass through the central city have long complained about TPMO enforcers, who were notorious for seeking bribes and flagging down vehicles under false pretenses.

Cleaning up the department has been a focus of Sotto’s in his first year as mayor, and on Tuesday he thanked those who were implementing reforms, including the professionalization of the agency, that would enhance its reputation.

“When you think about it, the standards should be higher for government officials,” he said. “It’s like what they say, take the log out of your own eye before removing the speck from your brother’s.”