MMDA roadside courts to deal with extortion

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will create roadside courts to deal with complaints of extortion by MMDA traffic enforcers, an official said yesterday.

There will initially be five courts that will be set up by next month along EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, and Commonwealth and Quirino Avenues, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said, adding that it would be the world’s first roadside adjudication system.

“This is my response to extortion,” he said as he explained that roadside courts will be manned round-the-clock by paralegals and lawyers working as receiving clerks and hearing officers, who can issue decisions on complaints on the spot.

Those who are accused of extortion will be automatically suspended by the roadside court.

Enforcers can also use roadside courts to file charges against motorists who attempt to bribe them, Tolentino said.

Should a motorist or enforcer decide to appeal the roadside court’s ruling, a special jury – composed of representatives from bus firms, motoring groups, the clergy, teacher and student groups – will decide on the case.

The appeal must be filed within 15 days after a roadside court issues a ruling.

In addition to hearing complaints of bribery and extortion, the roadside courts will also serve as venues for the speedy handling of vehicular accidents.

Tolentino announced the creation of the roadside courts following the suspension of four traffic enforcers accused of extorting P200 from a truck driver on Commonwealth Avenue last Wednesday.