12 MMDA personnel fail drug test

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve traffic enforcers and sidewalk cleaners of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) tested positive for illegal drugs, an official said yesterday. 

 Jojo Garcia, MMDA general manager, said in a press conference at the agency’s office that six of the personnel, working under a contract or job order, were terminated immediately.

Six others, who are regular employees, are still under investigation, he added.

He did not name the employees but said most are traffic enforcers while the others belong to the MMDA’s Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group.

Garcia said they could not immediately terminate the six regular employees as they enjoy due process, “but I’m very positive they will be terminated.”

 He said he has endorsed the cases to the Philippine National Police, which will file charges against the erring personnel.

 The MMDA tested around 1,000 employees for illegal drugs in May and June.