Isko resigns as Manila’s traffic czar

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno has resigned as the city’s traffic czar.

In a telephone interview with The STAR, Moreno said he submitted his resignation letter to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada yesterday morning to spare the Manila traffic bureau from criticisms once he decides to run either for senator or congressman in next year’s elections.

“This is also my way of thanking… Estrada for giving me the chance to head the city government’s traffic bureau. For two years and a half, we were able to prove that we could manage the traffic problem in Manila, if not eradicate it,” Moreno said.

“The national agencies are even copying our policies to solve traffic in Metro Manila, like the truck ban which we implemented with certainty of punishment. I don’t want to take advantage of my position as traffic czar to advance my political plans,” he added.

Moreno said his resignation does not mean there is a crack in his relations with Estrada. “We are united and we will continue to be united,” he said.

Estrada said he would temporarily take over the post vacated by Moreno.

“I accepted his resignation. He is just conscious of the fact that some people may attack him if he would continue to serve as traffic czar like what happened to MMDA Chairman (Francis) Tolentino who was accused of using his position, when they saw him managing traffic, to enhance his political plans,” Estrada said.