Erap sacks all Manila traffic enforcers for extortion

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. AP FILE PHOTO

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday ordered the mass resignation of all 690 traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) due to  complaints of  extortion activities from motorists.

“Today, I am issuing an order for all traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau to step down and turn in their resignation letters. I want all of them out, with no exceptions.  Tama na. Sobra na. Palitan na (Enough is enough. We will replace them),” Estrada said.

“I have received numerous complaints that many MTPB traffic personnel are involved in extortion and other illegal activities. Investigations are ongoing, but I can assure the public that those found criminally and administratively liable will face the full force of the law,” he added.

Estrada said traffic management operations in the city will be temporarily turned over to the Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Manila Police District (MPD-TEU) while the MTPB is being reorganized “to weed out misfits and those that have derogatory records.”

Estrada said the new MTPB recruits will undergo training from MPD director Senior Supt. Joel Coronel.

“Hindi ko maaaring isakripisyo ang kapakanan ng higit na nakararaming Manilenyo dahil lamang sa ilang tiwaling traffic enforcer na sumisira sa imahe ng MTPB, at maging ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Maynila (I can’t sacrifice the greater good of our constituents just because of a few corrupt traffic enforcers who ruin the credibility of the MTPB and even the local government),” the mayor said.

“We will start with a clean slate,” he added.

Estrada on Monday also launched Manila’s “traffic superbody,” an interagency group that will oversee strict implementation of traffic rules and decongestion of the city’s major thoroughfares.

The composite team is composed of elements of the MPD-TEU, Department of Public Services, Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office, Office of the City Engineer, Manila Barangay Bureau, City Treasurer’s Office and the Manila City Hall Action and Support Assignment as well as officials and representatives of local transport groups such as the Consolidated Truckers Association, Fejodap, and Pasang Masda; Parents-Teachers Associations, city councilors and barangay (village) officials. –Yuji Vincent Gonzales, RAM/rga