MMDA executive hits smear drive

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority dared any member of the Northern District Traffic Enforcement Office (NDTEO) to come forward and file a formal complaint against their chief for any wrongdoing.

The challenge came from MMDA General Manager Jaime Paz in defense of Superintendent Manuel Quevedo who has been the subject of an alleged smear campaign in the CAMANAVA area.

Quevedo was summoned to the MMDA office in Orense, Makati City the other day after reports were published about the supposed extortion he was perpetrating in the ranks of the NDTEO.

According to the reports, a number of NDTEO members as well as public transport groups in CAMANAVA, are allegedly complaining about the fees being collected by Quevedo directly and indirectly from them.

The police traffic enforcers are reportedly paying P250 per week to Quevedo as "quota," from the extortion of public transport groups.

In an interview, Quevedo vehemently denied the allegations and presented various documents clearing himself of any wrongdoing.

A declaration of support along with a denial of the allegations was signed by all of the members of the NDTEO.

On the part of the public transport groups, the Metro Manila Kabisig Jeepney Drivers Organization Incorporated based in Navotas also came out with a statement expressing its full support for Quevedo as the District Traffic chief.

To further reinforce his defense, Quevedo also presented the apprehension report of the NDTEO for the period December 2001 to Jan. 19 this year.

The report showed a total of 1,856 apprehensions during the period, an indication that the NDTEO has been very active in its drive against violators of traffic laws.

Quevedo said that he is aware of the reason behind the smear campaign against him.

He disclosed that the allegations were a backlash of his recent crackdown on a racket involving the redemption of driver’s licenses at the NDTEO offices.

When he assumed his post as the District Traffic chief, Quevedo discovered that a significant number of motorists were claiming their confiscated licenses from the desk of an individual right inside his office.

Under the law, confiscated licenses are all turned over to the MMDA redemption centers and nowhere else.

Quevedo recalled that he received several warnings from various officials involved in the redemption of licenses when he assumed his post.

For his part, Paz said that he has yet to receive any of the reported complaints against Quevedo.

He also commended the District Traffic chief for his efforts in improving the flow of traffic in the CAMANAVA area. — Marvin Sy