Tom: No 2nd chances for extorting workers

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña warned all traffic enforcers in the city to stop extorting from motorists after he terminated one of the supervisors of the Cebu City Transportation Office last week for the same offense.

In his press conference yesterday, Osmeña said he will not give a second chance to any employee proven to have extorted.

“There are other names of traffic enforcers involved, but it's not conclusive the evidence,” he told reporters.

He did not name the terminated CCTO official, who is reportedly one of his appointees. Osmeña said the termination shows that he will not give special treatment to his people and allies.

With this, he urged the public to provide complete details and evidence against traffic enforcers accused of extorting money or anything from them.

“Naay mosumbong mang-extort ang traffic enforcers, pero dili makahatag og ngalan. Unsa akong mahimo?” he said.

CCTO operations chief Francisco Ouano confirmed the termination of one of the employees of his office.

As of now, he said he has been getting reports from different motorists of extortion being done by traffic enforcers.

“Naay daghang reports. Pero atong i-investigate kay pwede siguro nga gamiton ra ang ngalan. Pwede sad nga gikontrahan sila. Pwede sad nga naay personal interest,” he said.

Ouano said he is one with the mayor in not giving second chances to extortionists. He said corrupt enforcers give the office a bad impression with the public.

“Lisod kaayo kay maapektohan ang opisina. Anybody can report. Give us details and evidence lang pud. We will also exercise due process sa atong mga employees basig naay nasuko lang pud sa enforcers. Luoy pud,” he said.

Ouano also urged all traffic enforcers to just do their jobs and avoid doing illegal activities.

According to City Budget Officer Marietta Gumia, traffic aides get paid P10,883 per month, those ranked traffic aide 2 get P12,488 per month, while those ranked traffic aide 3 get P14,331 per month.