Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Monday ordered the preventive suspension of two traffic personnel accused of extortion.
Abalos identified the two personnel as Edmon Belleca and Christian Malemit, both permanent employees assigned at the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO).
Belleca and Malemit, who were accused of extortion and grave misconduct, were placed under a 90-day preventive suspension pending the result of the investigation.
“Upon learning of the incident, I immediately ordered our TDO and Legal Department to conduct a thorough investigation,” Abalos said.
“I am very angry with what they did. They have besmirched the name of the agency. However, administrative procedures require that they be given due process,” he added.
The incident, captured in viral video, happened at the corner of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue and A. Bonifacio near the North Luzon Expressway around 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Based on the video footage taken and uploaded by complainant Miriel Custodio which has since gone viral on social media, the two enforcers asked for P1,000 in bribe money in exchange for non-apprehension for violation of Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, and Reckless Driving.
Abalos said the agency does not and will never condone such misconduct.
“We will not tolerate this wrongdoing among our ranks. I will not let anyone tarnish the image of the agency,” he said.
MMDA-TDO chief Teroy Taguinod also expressed dismay over the enforcers’ behavior. Joel E. Zurbano
“I am disappointed over the alleged extortion committed by Belleca and Malemit. We frequently remind our enforcers to do the right thing as public servants and they should not engage in illegal activities,” he said.
MMDA officials urged motorists and the public to report any scrupulous activities among MMDA personnel for appropriate actions.