MMDA mulls raps vs driver who dragged enforcer

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is determined to file charges of attempted homicide and reckless driving against a motorist who was recorded on video driving away with an MMDA traffic enforcer clinging onto the hood of a car in Taguig City.

A dashcam footage circulating on social media showed a uniformed traffic enforcer clinging onto the hood of a speeding sport utility vehicle (SUV) along Lawton Avenue.

The MMDA enforcer was identified as Traffic Aide I Allan Harry Sadiua.

The driver reportedly tried to escape after hitting a motorcycle.

The MMDA asked the Land Transportation Office to issue a show-cause order against the driver.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the driver went to the agency yesterday to explain his side.

The motorist apologized to Sadiua.

“He acknowledged his mistake and committed to take responsibility for the consequences of his actions,” Artes said.

However, Artes said the MMDA would hold him liable for reckless driving under Section 48 of Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Artes said they would also file a complaint for attempted homicide against the driver.

Sadiua could have died if the motorist had continued to drive away with the enforcer on the SUV hood, according to Artes.

Prior to the incident, the MMDA said a rider of a ride-hailing app chased the driver who attempted to flee after sideswiping him along Sales East Service Road in Western Bicutan.

Sadiua said he was supposed to settle the traffic altercation between the rider and the SUV driver, but the motorist shouted at him, saying he was in a rush going to the airport.

“While I was assisting them, I was surprised by his reaction. The car kept moving toward me. My instinct was that he was going to hit me so I held onto the hood,” Sadiua said in Filipino.

To get Sadiua off the car, the motorist drove in a zigzag motion. He drove as far as 500 meters with Sadiua on the hood, according to Artes.

The motorist continued driving up to Villamor Airbase, slowing down only near the South Luzon Expressway where Sadiua stepped down.

The MMDA enforcer suffered injuries on his arms and knees.

While he felt sorry for the incident, the driver said the motorcycle had hit his car, leaving it with a dent.