21 MMDA men fired for abandoning posts

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Robert Nacianceno terminated 21 traffic enforcers yesterday after they were caught abandoning their respective posts.

The enforcers were fired under the agency’s one-strike policy against personnel caught "sleeping on the job" or not attending to their respective responsibilities while on duty.

Among those sacked were Rommel Abuda, Adrian Betcher, Ramil Bueno, Evan Catamora, Jimmy de la Cruz, Michael John Haldos, Alfedo Llasos, Allyson Lobo and Dominic Macaraeg.

Also joining the list of erring personnel were Christian Magdaong, Richie Navelgas, Reynante Odi, Garry Palma, Dennis Panganiban, Demetrio Pinca, Arcel Ramos, Randy Reyes, Alvin Sicat, Jerry Terte, Jay Valencia and Virgilio Zolayvar.

Nacianceno said they were kicked out of the MMDA based on the agency’s strict rules on assignment and postings of field personnel.

"They were holding very sensitive positions. Their actions affect the public, especially motorists and commuters. The act of not being where you should be at a specific time to do your job cannot be tolerated," he said.

Those fired were under a so-called job order status, which means they can be terminated at will or when their services are no longer needed by the agency, MMDA legal service chief Emmanuel de Castro explained.

Nacianceno signed their termination papers without having had to elaborate since the enforcers already knew why they were being fired.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando had been very strict in dealing with irresponsible and erring personnel, especially during the rainy season when traffic enforcers are needed most.