DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 Nov) – The Traffic Management Center (TMC) has grounded one of its enforcers caught on video while allegedly receiving a bribe, which was then circulated on the Public Safety and Security Command Center support group Facebook page.
“I have grounded the employee, pending the investigation,” TMC chief Rhodelio Poliquit said in a telephone interview. “If found guilty, the enforcer could face dismissal from the department.”
The traffic chief said that the traffic enforcer has been with the department for 14 years.
Poliquit, however, urged motorists to report through proper channels like the TMC’s office in Ecoland any case such as enforcers asking or receiving money from apprehended motorists instead of posting the videos online.
“The practice (of posting videos) is all right,” Poliquit said. “But it would be better if there is a formal complaint. Complainants should have a face associated with their names and not hide behind helmets while being recorded.”
This opinion was shared by PSSCC head Frank Villaroman, who called Poliquit’s attention in a Facebook post dated November 17.
The video, posted by a Facebook user known as Jack Doktor, showed an enforcer apprehending a motorcycle driver along CM Recto Street. The video showed the TMC enforcer apparently receiving a bribe from the driver.
“TO ALL CONCERN (sic): Unta inyo ning aksyunan, dugay na niya ginabuhat ang pagpangilkil sa mga ultimong mga driver nga masayop sa balaod trapiko apan karon ra gyud nakuhaan og bidyu (I hope you act on this, since the enforcer has been doing this for a long time to erring drivers who violate traffic laws, but caught on video only now.)”
The Facebook user said the enforcer was assigned at CM Recto. “Klaro kaayo ang mga panghitabo. Kamo nay komento (It’s very clear what happened. Feel free to comment.)”
Commenting on the Facebook user’s post, Villaroman said “Why don’t you or the victims file or lodge a formal complaint against the erring TMC enforcers? What’s his name and when did this happen? Be responsible citizens… We cannot monitor all personnel daily in the streets.”
He urged citizens to help the government by reporting erring traffic enforcers.
Villaroman, in his own Facebook post, immediately called Poliquit’s attention, and tasked PSSCC personnel to save a copy to be endorsed to the City Mayor’s Office.
“We must investigate this traffic enforcer along Claveria and terminate his services as soon as we find him guilty of extortion,” he said. “I mean business.”
Claveria is CM Recto’s old and more popular name.