MMDA sacks 2 traffic enforcers for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - Two traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been recommended dismissed and reprimanded for allegedly extorting P4,000 from an American man they stopped for a traffic violation in Pasay City.

Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios of the MMDA’s Traffic Operations Center (TOC) said he has recommended the immediate termination of enforcer Ryan Diaz and the preventive suspension of enforcer Jonathan Lavente.

De Dios said Diaz and Lavente were arrested by police Monday after Daniel Staehelin sought the help of the Pasay City police.

Reports said Staehelin filed extortion charges against Diaz and Lavente, who allegedly asked for P3,500 as supposed penalty for a traffic violation he had committed at the corner of EDSA and Park Avenue.

During the arrest, policemen recovered the money taken by the enforcers from Staehelin. According to the MMDA, the two enforcers’ actions were caught by an MMDA spy camera.

Meanwhile, De Dios also appealed to motorists to refrain from bribing or offering to bribe MMDA enforcers.

“It is very difficult for us to stop these corrupt practices if there is connivance between the drivers and the enforcers. The public should also do their part and just follow the laws. Otherwise, they don’t have the right to complain,” De Dios said.

Recently, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the MMDA will suspend the licenses of drivers who will be caught bribing MMDA enforcers. – Mike Frialde