MMDA suspends enforcer in viral apprehension video

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday suspended a traffic constable whom an apprehended motorist accused of bullying.

According to Rida Reyes's report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, Reslie Vergara shared her side of the story after the video uploaded by the motorist Albert Bugarin went viral on social media.

Vergara drew negative reactions from many netizens for uttering the words, "O smile! Smile! O pangit ng mukha mo. Pangit ka na nga pangit pa ugali mo!"

Vergara explained that another MMDA traffic enforcer flagged down Bugarin for violating the proper use of the yellow lane.

She said that they decided to confiscate the driver's license because he was "arrogant," adding that her colleague's hand even got caught in the window of the car when the driver closed it.

Vergara went on to say that the tension escalated when she decided to take a video of Bugarin.

"Pakiramdam ko 'pag dinuro duro ako... Tapos bakit niya papaluin 'yung kamay ko... dun na po nagsimula 'yung salitang "pangit". 'Di ko po intensyon na sabihin sa kanya," Vergara said.

MMDA traffic head Bong Nebrija said the agency does not condone such behavior of its constables. Furthermore, MMDA will also file a complaint against Bugarin who turned out to be a Grab driver, for his misconduct despite committing traffic violations.

Grab Philippines already removed Bugarin from service and expressed deep regrets about the incident.

"That was an unfortunate incident. Grab trains its partner-drivers to be disciplined, courteous and respectful of the rules of the road and those authorized to carry out these rules," Leo Gonzales of Grab Philippines said.

Bugarin, for his part, asserted that he did not commit any traffic violation and expressed dismay over the MMDA constable's behavior.

"Dapat 'di naman po ganun ang asal niya. Taumbayan ang nagpapasahod sa kaniya," he said.

Bugarin, however, said he is ready to face MMDA's complaint and he is open to amicable settlement. —Dona Magsino/NB, GMA News