2 traffic enforcers sacked, 7 others suspended for extortion

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Development Authority on Monday sacked two of its personnel and suspended seven others over extortion charges.

MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino ordered the immediate dismissal from the service of the two traffic constables, assigned along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, for being involved in extorting from motorists after several months of hearing by the agency's legal department.

Tolentino, however, withheld the names of the traffic constables, both on the job order status, for privacy reasons.

"This is part of our regular efforts to cleanse our ranks.  We will never tolerate any wrongdoing from our employees," Tolentino said.

Tolentino said seven more traffic constables were charged with grave misconduct and are placed on preventive suspension for 90 days for allegedly being involved in extortion.

Traffic Constables Rommel Millanes, Larry Tibos, Romeo Rabaya, Ariel Merin, Elmer Santos, Marlo Gateos, and Cesar Aguilar, all on permanent employment status, are facing possible termination from service if proven guilty of the charges filed against them.

They will, however, be still accorded due process and fair hearings, Tolentino said.

"Let this serve as a stern warning to all our erring employees.  We will enforce the laws without prejudice to anyone," he added.

He said appropriate criminal charges will be filed consequently against the erring employees.