Palace to public: Report 'kotong' cops to us

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang urged the public on Wednesday to report members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (HPG) who would abuse their authority as new traffic law enforcers.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Palace will be providing a contact number that citizens can call to report "kotong" cops or policemen who will be extorting money from motorists.

"Kung may magkokotong, don't hesitate to tell us. We will not tolerate wang-wang sa daan. We will not tolerate wang-wang ng kahit sino sa gobyerno," Lacierda said in a press briefing.

On Tuesday, President Aquino approved the deployment of the HPG to serve as the lead traffic law enforcement agency on EDSA.

The HPG will be supported by the Metro Manila Development Authority, the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

This move raised fears that "kotong" cops will return.

"That should not be another avenue for corruption on the part of public officials," Lacierda said.