MMDA chief suspends 2 traffic enforcers, 7 more under investigation due to extortion

MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino. Photo courtesy of MMDA’s official Facebook page.

MANILA — Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Monday ordered the immediate dismissal from the service of two personnel and suspension of seven others from the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) for extortion.

The two traffic constables, whose names were withheld for privacy reasons, both on job order status and assigned along Katipunan Avenue, were terminated from the service for being involved in street corrupt practices, after several months of hearings conducted by the agency’s Legal Department.

“Let this serve as a stern warning to all our erring employees. We will enforce the laws without prejudice to anyone,” Tolentino said.

Seven more traffic constables were charged with grave misconduct and are placed on preventive suspension for 90 days for allegedly being involved in extortion.

The seven traffic constables were identified as Rommel Millanes, Larry Tibos, Romeo Rabaya, Ariel Merin, Elmer Santos, Marlo Gateos, and Cesar Aguilar, all on permanent employment status, are facing possible termination from service if proven guilty of the charges filed against them. They will be accorded due process and fair hearings.

“This is part of our regular efforts to cleanse our ranks. We will never tolerate any wrongdoing from our employees,” Tolentino said.

According to the MMDA chief, appropriate criminal charges will be filed consequently against the erring employees.