Binay sacks two traffic enforcers

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Jejomar Binay ordered yesterday the dismissal of two traffic enforcers caught selling expired traffic violation receipts (TVR) to bus drivers.

The two enforcers were identified as Jeremias Arana and Felipe De Leon, both assigned at the intersection of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.

Led by Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group National Capital Region chief Senior Superintendent Errol Pan, the police operatives were able to catch Arana red handed accepting marked money from a bus driver.

A civilian, identified as Edgar Projilla was also apprehended during the operation for assisting Arana in the illegal activity.

Traffic enforcer De Leon, on the other hand, was apprehended because his set of TVRs was in the possession of Arana.

Along with marked bills, Arana was also found in possession of a fan knife measuring five inches and a TVR issued in the name of Benjamin Manalo.

"Criminal charges for graft and corruption practices will be pursued as soon as all investigation reports and evidence have been collected," Binay said.

Binay added that the incident was only one of several cases involving the illegal issuance of expired TVRs primarily to bus drivers.

The bus drivers reportedly pay an average of P150.00 for each expired TVR, commonly called Palipads.

The expired TVRs are issued to the bus drivers for a fee who in turn surrender these when they are apprehended without actually having to give up their licenses.