Atienza relieves traffic chief

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza ordered yesterday the relief of Manila Police District (MPD) traffic chief Superintendent Roberto dela Rosa for failing to control illegal terminals of commuter vehicles that cause traffic congestion along major roads.

An irked Atienza yesterday announced the sacking of Dela Rosa who failed to address the illegal terminals of passenger jeepneys and buses in main thorougfares that have resulted into traffic jams.

Atienza said Dela Rosa was replaced by Senior Superintendent Elmer Jamias as the new MPD Traffic Enforcement Office (MPDTEO).

The mayor had given Dela Rosa the opportunity to redeem himself several times, but the former traffic chief continued to disappoint him. Dela Rosa had been MPDTEO chief for two years.

"I have given him full control of the city’s traffic aid (from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau) because he told me that the lack of traffic personnel was one of the reasons for the heavy traffic. I have tried to understand him and have been supportive of him but he seemed to be helpless," Atienza said.

"When you are in downtown Manila you will see several illegal terminals. I have been receiving complaints about the slow traffic."

He added that the problem of vehicular traffic worsened especially with the increased volume of commuters and motorists due to the Christmas shopping spree.

Atienza went around the city and was irritated by the illegal terminals particularly on Quezon Boulevard, in front of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (or Quiapo Church) in Quiapo; Ilaya Street in Divisoria; intersection of Lepanto Street and Recto Avenue; and the intersection of Quezon Boulevard and Recto Avenue. Atienza clarified that this was not the first time that he reprimanded Dela Rosa.

Early last month, it even reached the point when the mayor gave Dela Rosa 72-hours to explain the poor traffic conditions. At that time, he already gave the warning that "One more obvious neglect and he will go."

Also just last month, Atienza also relieved Dela Rosa’s 62 traffic enforcers that were provided by city hall after they were found negligent of their duties. The city has some 400 city hall traffic enforcers.