MMDA suspends enforcer nabbed in sting
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended a traffic enforcer who was arrested in a drug sting in Quezon City on Sunday, an official said yesterday.
MMDA general manager Tim Orbos said a 90-day suspension order was issued against traffic enforcer Dexter Lucas, who is a regular employee of the agency.
He said an internal investigation will also be conducted against Lucas, who was previously suspended for operating a colorum vehicle in July last year.
Lucas, 43, was arrested at the corner of EDSA and Muñoz in Barangay Veterans during a drug sting on Sunday.
4 others face extort raps
Meanwhile, the MMDA’s legal and legislative administrative services has recommended the filing of administrative cases against four traffic enforcers for extortion.
Orbos said administrative cases will be filed against traffic constables Crisaldo Lopez, Victor Santos, Mark Richard de Guia and Resty Padel.
Based on the MMDA’s record, Lopez was caught on the agency’s closed-circuit televisions (CCTV) camera accepting bribe money from a motorist at the intersection of MIA Road and Roxas Boulevard on Oct. 7.
A motorist caught De Guia and Padel on video on Oct. 8 allegedly negotiating payment for not issuing a traffic violation ticket at the EDSAMagallanes intersection.
The four other traffic enforcers were also suspended for 90 days.
“If found guilty, the traffic personnel will be sacked from the service,” Orbos said.
He is set to meet with MMDA traffic sector heads to discuss command responsibility among them.
Shame campaign
Orbos said the MMDA will also launch a shame campaign in which photos of the erring personnel will be posted on the agency’s premises, along with the criminal and administrative cases against them.
“If we acknowledge and recognize the good deeds of our people, we have also the responsibility to the public to warn them to stay away from those unscrupulous personnel,” he said.
Orbos urged the public to report erring enforcers.
The MMDA is set to launch on its official website a “Report Kotong” page, wherein the public can post illegal activities of its personnel.