MMDA relieves traffic enforcer over P2,400 bribe

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority suspends one of its traffic enforcers who allegedly extorted money from a motorist on March 19, 2024. (MMDA).

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic enforcer was relieved from duty on Tuesday after allegedly accepting a P2,400 bribe from a motorist, who subsequently posted the encounter on social media.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chair Don Artes ordered the enforcer’s immediate suspension pending investigation into the incident.

READ: MMDA official: No need for a traffic czar

READ: MMDA ban: Making sense of how bikes with batteries cease to be bicycles

Zero tolerance

“We do not tolerate any form of corruption committed by our personnel. Anyone proven to have committed such crimes will be dealt with accordingly,” Artes said in the MMDA statement.

The MMDA statement related that the enforcer flagged down the complainant on Friday while driving along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Allegedly, the driver was using a cell phone, not wearing a seat belt, and had an expired car registration.

Negotiation

Initially, the enforcer told the complainant that he would be fined P15,000 and the vehicle would be impounded. However, after negotiation, the motorist managed to reduce the amount to P2,400, which was paid to the enforcer via a mobile wallet app.

The motorist then posted the encounter on social media.

“The following day, the complainant received a call and the money was sent back to him. He was also asked to delete his post on social media, which he did not do. The MMDA then reached out to him to push through with his complaint and identify the traffic enforcer,” the statement read.

Positively identified

On Tuesday afternoon, the complainant positively identified the enforcer as the recipient of the money. However, the enforcer denied the accusation.

“The traffic enforcer will be asked to temporarily report to the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City while the investigation is ongoing,” said MMDA Assistant Secretary David Angelo Vargas, who accompanied the complainant in identifying the enforcer.

Vargas further mentioned that the MMDA is considering filing appropriate charges against the accused.

Motorists wishing to complain about illegal activities can report them through the MMDA’s social media platforms and hotline, 136.

“Identify the involved personnel and report them to us,” Vargas added.