MMDA enforcer axed for counterflowing on EDSA

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sacked yesterday an MMDA traffic enforcer for counterflowing on the EDSA busway last week.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said the motorcycle-riding Jeffrey Tablan, 52, was recorded on video counterflowing on the EDSA bus lane on July 16.

Tablan, who has been with the MMDA for 22 years, said he was rushing home after receiving a call from his wife that their 10-year-old child with Down syndrome was having difficulty breathing.

“We have an internal policy, that our members are not allowed to pass through the busway,” Vic Nuñez, director for Traffic Discipline Office, said.

MMDA officials who flagged Tablan also said he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

“He did not notice that he was going toward a bus,” Nuñez said. “What he did was very dangerous. It may have cost him his life.”

Tablan admitted that he had taken alcohol before driving the motorcycle, but that he was not drunk. He apologized for his action.

“This is definitely a dismissal from the service. He can appeal if he thinks the penalty is too harsh,” Torre told reporters.