MMDA enforcer suspended for counterflowing on EDSA Busway

A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer was suspended after he was caught on video riding his motorcycle against traffic along the EDSA Busway in Cubao, Quezon City.

In Jonathan Andal’s report on “24 Oras Weekend,” the enforcer was seen confronting the driver of an EDSA Carousel bus while traveling in the opposite direction.

The man, who was wearing an MMDA uniform underneath a jacket, was also suspected of being intoxicated.

“Nakainom ka pa yata, ah,” the person who took the video was heard saying.

(It appears that you have been drinking.)

The MMDA identified the enforcer and ordered him to report to the agency’s office on Monday to formally explain his actions.

“‘Pag pumunta pa sa opisina ngayon, literal na we will throw the book on him… Hindi lang figurative na kasuhan natin. Medyo pang-aabuso na. Hindi natin ito-tolerate,” MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III said.

(If he reports to the office, we will literally throw the book at him. We will not merely file charges against him. This already constitutes abuse, and we will not tolerate it.)

According to Torre, the enforcer could face criminal and administrative charges, fines and possible dismissal from the service.

“Grave misconduct po ito… Pwede talaga siyang ma-dismiss at ma-separate from MMDA. Baka mapagmulta pa siya… ‘Yung use of bus lane, automatic na P5,000 kaagad ang multa noon. So, otherwise, hindi siya makapag-renew ng kanyang lisensya,” Torre said.

(This constitutes grave misconduct. He could be dismissed and separated from the MMDA. He could also be fined. Unauthorized use of the bus lane carries an automatic P5,000 fine. Otherwise, he may not be able to renew his driver’s license.)

“Other cases na aming isasampa diyan, disregarding traffic signs, reckless driving. E kung ang resulta ng kanyang examination ay meron pang violation ng Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act and Anti-Distracted Driving Act, ikakarga rin natin sa kanya ‘yan at ituloy ang criminal case,” he added.

(Other charges we may file against him include disregarding traffic signs and reckless driving. If his examination shows that he also violated the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, we will file those charges and pursue a criminal case.)

Aside from reviewing the cellphone video, the MMDA will examine footage from its CCTV cameras along the Cubao section of the EDSA Busway as part of its investigation.

GMA News Online has sought the enforcer’s comment.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News