Why MMDA cut number of nightshift traffic aides by half

CAMERA-READY MMDA traffic constable Cesar Detera Jr. in action and ready to take a “shot” against hotheads on the road. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has cut by half the number of traffic constables assigned to the nightshift due to mounting extortion complaints, mostly from cargo truck drivers.

From around 700 personnel at any given time, the number of enforcers deployed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. was reduced by 50 percent starting Feb. 22, according to MMDA officer in charge and general manager Tim Orbos.

The MMDA chief added that most of the complainants against the traffic constables were cargo truck drivers plying R10, A. Bonifacio Avenue, C5 Road and Mindanao Avenue.

“The reason we’re doing this is because there are lots of complaints about corruption at night,” Orbos told reporters on Thursday.

“No enforcer should be standing idly [by]. Because that’s when it happens; usually they’re hiding. That is definitely not authorized,” he said.

The personnel assigned to the night shift would be temporarily restricted to barracks and be used to augment the daytime personnel.

A group of select enforcers would soon be formed to roam around Metro Manila on motorcycles or service vehicles, Orbos added. –Erika Sauler