MMDA traffic enforcers file complaints against drunk lawyer

MANILA, Philippines - Two traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) filed complaints before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office against a drunk lawyer who allegedly assaulted them along the northbound lane of EDSA near the Robinsons Galeria mall in Baramgay Ugong Norte before midnight last Tuesday.

According to a report by the Eastwood Police Station (PS-12) of the Quezon City Police District Office, at about 11:43 p.m.s on Tuesday, lawyer Bettina Zamora, 30, a resident of Corinthian Garden, was driving her black BMW sedan (ZLJ-468) while under the influence of liquor when she reportedly had a heated argument with another motorist.

Zamora is a senior associate at the Kapunan, Garcia and Castillo Law Offices. The law firm formerly represented businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles in the illegal detention case lodged against her by her cousin Benhur Luy before the Makati Regional Trial Court.

Police said MMDA enforcers Saturnino Embuscado and Michael Arcilla then arrived at the scene to investigate the commotion as it is already causing traffic to slow down.

According to police, when Embuscado and Arcilla arrived at the scene, a drunk Zamora allegedly immediately hurled invectives at them. The MMDA enforcers then radioed for police assistance. Four police officers from the Eastwood Police Station led by SPO2 Ritchie Madrid then arrived aboard a patrol car.

The police report said Zamora was then pacified and was then brought to the Eastwood Police Station.

In his sworn statement, Madrid said Zamora gave him the “dirty finger” while shouting expletives in Tagalog. Madrid said Zamora then grabbed his neck and uniform. Madrid said Zamora pulled his uniform so hard that it was torn. 

Madrid said he then handcuffed Zamora and arrested her. She was later brought to the Eastwood Police Station.

In his sworn affidavit, Embuscado said while asking Zamora what was the commotion all about, the lawyer started to shout expletives at him.

Embuscado said Zamora then grabbed his neck and pushed him away after he asked her if she had been drinking. Embuscado who was then joined by Arcilla, then sought police assistance after Zamora allegedly tried to drive away.

Zamora tested positive for alcohol following an alcohol breath analysis done at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila.

Police said complaints for direct assault, obstruction, alarm and scandal, and driving under the influence of liquor (Republic Act 10586) were filed against Zamora.

For his part, MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said he would recommend to the Land Transportation Office that Zamora’s license to drive be revoked in the wake of the incident.

“Siguro pwede kong irecommend na irevoke muna kasi bago pa lang ang anti-drunk driving law ay na violate agad,” he said.

Tolentino advised traffic enforcers to exercise restraint in dealing with drunk motorists unless their lives would be placed in danger.

“Sa enforcers, dapat wag patulan. Pero if it borders na on self-defense, ay may danger na to their lives and limbs e kailangang depensahan na nila ang sarili nila,” he said.