2 MMDA traffic enforcers nabbed

Two Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers were arrested over the weekend for alleged wrongdoing.

Eddie Cruz, 42, a resident of Baseco Street, Port Area, Manila was nabbed after he accosted a motorist for a traffic violation.

He was charged for usurpation of authority based on Mayor Jejomar Binay’s claim that MMDA traffic men cannot issue Traffic Violation Receipts (TVRs) in his locality.

Cruz was arrested at around 11 a.m. at the EDSA Bay near the Ayala Metro Rail Transit (MRT) station. MMDA Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios himself confirmed Cruz’s arrest which makes the latter the first victim of the turf war between the agency he works for and the city he was assigned to.

Binay had ordered the arrest of non-deputized traffic men who will insist on enforcing traffic laws in his locality.

MMDA traffic enforcers, he said, have no right to be in Makati City because the controversial Dec. 5, 2005 ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) has stripped the agency and its personnel of authority to implement traffic laws.

Cruz’s arrest is expected to result in a legal battle between Binay and the MMDA which, on the bright side, will hopefully clear things up.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando believes that the SC ruling favors his agency and does not strip the same of powers to implement but only powers to legislate as referred to by the words "police power."

Meanwhile, Michael de Vera, 33, of Imus, Cavite was arrested by elements of the Counter Intelligence and Special Unit (CISU) for allegedly extorting P100 from a policeman-motorist.

A P100 bill was recovered from De Vera’s possession.

Senior Superintendent Felipe Rojas Jr. intelligence chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that SPO2 Fernando Jalocon was dispatched to the area where De Vera was arrested purposely to commit a traffic violation.

Rojas said De Vera promptly flagged down Jalocon’s vehicle and threatened to issue him a ticket. He demanded P100 though from Jalocon to settle the issue.

After handing over the money, Jalocon identified himself and arrested him. — Michael Punongbayan, Non Alquitran