MMDA still looking for traffic enforcer involved in Stephen Speaks incident

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is still looking for the Grab driver and the traffic enforcer mentioned by the band Stephen Speaks on Twitter after they allegedly got "off the hook" for a traffic violation in exchange for a "selfie". 

"Pinaimbestigahan natin yung mga Facebook pages nila ng mga enforcer sa lugar kung may nag-post na ng selfie with Stephen Speaks. So far, wala ring nakita, wala ring deleted posts," said MMDA chairman Romando Artes in Joseph Morong's report on 24 Oras.

(We are investigating the Facebook pages of the traffic enforcers in the area if someone uploaded a photo with Stephen Speaks. So far, we haven't seen any posts or reported deleted post)

The local government of Manila has also not received any reports that the said traffic enforcer is from their unit. 

"As far as we’re concerned, wala kaming nakuhang report na meron kaming traffic enforcer na nagpa-selfie," said Atty. Princess Abante, spokesperson for the Office of the Manila Mayor. 

(We have not received any reports that one of our traffic enforcers had a selfie with the band.)

"Hindi imposible na maaring nabanggit niya yung Manila, pero it may actually be a different city or municipality," she added. 

MMDA, meanwnhile, has asked the help of Grab to identify the driver, but the ride-hailing firm said their clients are covered by privacy laws. 

"Makita man nila, may privacy yung client nila... Kasi doon makikita 'yung bookings... Kung saan nag-book, kung saan siya pinick-up, san siya pumunta, magkano binayaran niya," explained Artes. 

(Even if they find out, their client is covered by the privacy law. You could see the booking, where they were picked up and where they went, and how much they paid)

Artes meanwhile reminded traffic enforcers that accepting any form of bribe is against their policy. 

"Tineterminate namin 'yung contract. 'Yung mga permanent employees ay pinapadaan natin sa proseso ng due process pero tinatanggal din natin agad."

(We terminate their contract. For regular employees, we give them due process, but we also dismiss them right away.)

The band, meanwhile, has already apologized for the incident. 

Stephen Speaks, known for songs such as “Passenger Seat,” is currently in Manila for live shows. —VAL, GMA Integrated News