Kris not exempt from traffic fine

MANILA, Philippines - Even the President’s youngest sister, popular actress and television host Kris Aquino-Yap, should not be spared from the enforcement of traffic regulations.

Malacañang stressed this yesterday in reaction to reports that Kris was spared by an officer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for illegal parking in Quezon City.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, however, clarified that Kris herself was not cited for illegal parking and obstruction.

Lacierda said an MMDA officer cited her driver for illegal parking along Sgt. Esguerra Street near the ABS-CBN building in Quezon City.

Radio reports said MMDA’s traffic enforcers allegedly ignored Aquino’s Ford van (NMQ-825) and proceeded to apprehend other motorists for parking illegally along Sgt. Esguerra yesterday.

The MMDA issued a statement denying radio reports that Kris was spared from the traffic violation.

“It is absolutely false that we let go of Kris’ driver for his traffic infraction,” MMDA’s Noemi Recio said.

Lacierda reminded the MMDA to spare no one – including the relatives of the President – in their mandate to implement traffic rules in Metro Manila.

“Do not be afraid even if he’s related to the President or related to any Cabinet secretaries or the Cabinet secretaries themselves. You apply the law without fear or favor,” he said.

Lacierda called on the MMDA traffic enforcers to exercise their right and duty.

“I’m encouraging all the officials concerned, don’t be afraid to issue (citation) tickets. That is your right, you are required, it is incumbent upon you to enforce the law if a person violates a particular ordinance or particular law, let’s do so, let’s issue the necessary ticket to them,” he said.

Lacierda said they could understand the big expectations from the government because of the campaign slogan, “there would be no poor if there are no corrupt.”

“Maybe it’s a burden on their part really to uphold the virtues and the promises of the President more than anybody else. I’m sure and I’m very, very aware, they (relatives of officials) are very cognizant of the burden placed upon them. They know their responsibilities as relatives of the President to follow the law,” he said. –Aurea Calica, Mike Frialde