Jeepney drivers hit Isko over corrupt enforcers

MANILA, Philippines - The Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (FEJODAP) staged a picket in front of the Manila city hall yesterday over Vice Mayor Isko Moreno’s alleged inaction against corrupt traffic enforcers.

FEJODAP president Zeny Maranan accused Moreno, the city’s traffic czar, of being insensitive to their plight.

“Moreno has changed. He doesn’t seem to care anymore for Manila. We are coordinating with his office, but he is not taking any action. He is ignoring us and he does not listen to our miseries,” Maranan said.

She said some of their members are frequently apprehended for alleged traffic violations and the enforcers usually extort money from them.

Moreno stepped out of his office to face Maranan’s group. He said the FEJODAP was overreacting to the strict implementation of traffic rules, as ordered by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Moreno said more than 40 corrupt traffic enforcers have been arrested, charged and removed from their posts after Estrada ordered a one-strike policy against them.

“There were some policemen who were arrested in entrapment operations, charged and removed from their post. While the city government is implementing strict traffic rules, we are also cleansing our ranks,” he said.

He urged Maranan’s group to file a formal complaint against these enforcers with his office.