MMDA to pursue case vs bus driver, conductor over fistfight with traffic enforcers

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will pursue its plan to file a case against the bus driver of Metro Manila Bus Co. Inc. (MMBC) and his conductor who engaged in a fistfight with traffic enforcers.

"Suportado ko all-out yung mga tao ko, eh nasa tama sila eh. So kakasuhan natin itong mga nanuntok na ito na mga driver at conductor," MMDA Chairman Danny Lim said in a report by GMA News'  Bernadette Reyes on 24 Oras Wednesday.                                                                          

He added that they are considering giving traffic enforcers training on how to defend themselves in case similar incidents occur in the future.

Bus driver Eddie Magangcong Jr. and conductor Kim Lester Padilla were caught on video beating MMDA traffic enforcers who apprehended them for dropping passengers off at a no-loading and unloading zone.

Roberto Supan, one of the enforcers who got drawn into the melee at EDSA corner P. Tuazon Street in Cubao on Monday, said he tried to talk to Magangcong and Padilla.

"Hinahawakan ko po yung dalawang kamay nung driver. Nung hawak-hawak ko po, kinakausap ko yung driver, sabi ko easy lang, traffic violation lang 'yan, mapag-uusapan 'yan," he recalled.

"Nagulat ako, naramdaman ko na lang, maraming sapak na yung inabot ko sa likod, nabitawan ko yung kamay ng driver kaya naupakan din ako ng driver," Supan continued.

Supan, a traffic enforcer of more than 20 years, said he did not fight back against the two men to protect the image of the MMDA.

"Alam naman natin ang tingin ng mga tao sa (enforcers). Gusto ko lang po mabago, mabago ang pananaw ng mga driver sa MMDA. Kaya kasama na po yung pagtitimpi ko," Supan said, who also said that he has forgiven the bus driver for hurting him.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued a show-cause order to MMBC ordering the operator to explain why their certificate of public convenience should not be cancelled owing to the conduct of their employees.

Both Magangcong and Padilla, currently detained at Quezon City Police District Station 7, were ordered to attend the hearing on July 19. — Rie Takumi/BAP/KVD, GMA News