QC traffic men walk out

Traffic situation in Quezon City and neighboring cities worsened yesterday after more than 250 local traffic enforcers abandoned their posts in protest against alleged "unfair treatment" from Mayor Ismael Mathay Jr.

Contractual traffic enforcers, some of whom have been in the service for over 26 years, trooped to city hall and complained to Mathay about their being bypassed by younger volunteers appointed as regulars.

Although a rally was not held, the enforcers, who were in their red and black uniform seemed disillusioned and disorganized in presenting their demands to the mayor to become regular employees.

The lack of traffic enforcers clogged major routes and highways from Pasay to Valenzuela City.

Vehicles were "bumper-to-bumper" for miles for most of the day on Quezon Avenue, Timog Avenue, Kamuning and Kamias streets, Edsa, Quezon City Memorial Circle and in Fairview.

Angry traffic aides were seen huddled outside the Quezon City Hall to plan their moves in the upcoming days, but they themselves were seen arguing about what they should do.

Traffic enforcer Pedrico Apo said they will report their current situation to Congress, while several others threatened to permanently abandon their jobs.

"This is like a slap on my face. Enforcing traffic has been my job for 10 years and I have done it faithfully. I think it is about time they consider our plight," Antonio Cabadsan, assigned in the highly congested Fairview area, said.

For his part, Mathay claimed that complaining traffic enforcers could not be promoted because of several pending complaints against them ranging from extortion, tong collection and ineffectiveness in their duties.

"How can I approve their requests to become regulars when I have received many complaints from motorists about them being dishonest and useless in their work?" Mathay told reporters.

However, Mathay said he will review the records of the protesting enforcers and see whether they are fit to become regular employees of the city.

"I’ve been in this line of work for 16 years and never did I receive a single complaint from people about me being corrupt or dishonest," Jaime Ramos said in an interview.

Another enforcer, Freddie Alcantara, said "the problem is people who do not work get promoted because of their connection. While people like us who work harder and sweat under the heat of the sun, remain contractual and can be removed when the next mayor assumes office in June."

Earlier, reporters covering Quezon City received complaints about the appointment to regular status of city hall employees who only report for work every 15th and 30th of the month.

Some observers interpreted Mathay’s move to promote to regular status some of his co-terminus employees to "ensure their future" when the three-term mayor ends his term in June. Mathay is running for congressman in the city’s Fourth District.