Peña orders traffic enforcers to extend working hours

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Acting Mayor Romulo Peña has ordered traffic officers of the Makati Public Safety Department (PSD) to serve longer hours to help resolve traffic related incidents faster.

Peña has ordered the Makati PSD, formerly known as MAPSA, to extend its office hours until 10 p.m. from Monday to Friday by introducing a new working shift which starts at 2 p.m. until 10 p.m., in addition to its regular 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. regular work hours.

In a statement, Peña said the order aims to speedily resolve traffic issues especially with the coming holiday season. At the same time, it aims to accommodate traffic incidents that occur after five in the afternoon when government offices are closed.

“Now that the additional shift is being implemented, people no longer have to wait for the following day to be assisted, or until Monday for the resolution of their traffic-related concerns. These include complaints about towed vehicles and related incidents that may happen on a late Friday afternoon,” Peña said.

Elmer Cabrera, PSD officer-in-charge, assured the acting mayor that PSD traffic investigators will be on hand until 10 p.m. to accommodate clients and provide immediate assistance on their urgent concerns.

Last September 21, former MAPSA traffic officer and now newly appointed Internal Affairs Office (IAO) investigator Joseph Torrecampo Marzan has been assigned by Cabrera to oversee the new shift. 

According to Marzan, since the new shift commenced, motorists have expressed their satisfaction for the speedy resolution of their concerns.

“Those who have been involved in vehicular accidents are satisfied with our service as they can already air their side and concern with us even after 5 p.m. Before, people got angry because they still had to wait for the opening of our office the following day,” Marzan said.

Aside from towed vehicles and vehicular accidents, PSD-IAO also investigates complaints and allegations raised against MAPSA traffic officers, and other forms of irregularities in the administration of traffic rules and regulations.

Meanwhile, PSD maintains 24/7 deployment of traffic enforcers on the streets and other strategic locations in the city to ensure safety and security of motorists and commuters alike.

For concerns, PSD can be reached at 819-3270 to 71. Its office is located at the 2nd Floor of the Makati Central Fire Station Building, Malugay Street, corner Ayala Avenue Extension, San Antonio, Makati City.