The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is out to determine the identities of the two traffic enforcers who were allegedly seen extorting money from a motorcycle rider based on a viral video.
MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos specifically tasked the agency's Traffic Discipline Office (TDO) to identify the enforcers and place them under investigation.
"Those two traffic enforcers will be dealt with accordingly. Charges will be filed against them,” Abalos said in a statement. “We will never tolerate extortion, bribery, and other forms of corruption among our personnel."
The video uploader branded the two traffic enforcers as extortionists in Baclaran, Paranaque City. The video, which has made rounds on social media, did not clearly reveal the faces of the enforcers since it was taken from top view.
In the footage, one enforcer discreetly received from a motorcycle rider what appeared to be money in exchange for a supposed driver's license.
Abalos urged the public to report to the MMDA the perceived illegal activities of its employees.
“We call on the public to be on the lookout for erring traffic enforcers on the streets. Help us in weeding out these people as a way to better serve the public,” he said.
"We shall not tolerate this wrongdoing among our ranks. I will not let anyone tarnish the image of the Authority,” he added.