2 MMDA traffic enforcers axed for extortion

MANILA, Philippines — Two traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have been sacked from their posts after they were caught on video extorting money from a motorist in Taguig City.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos ordered the dismissal of traffic constables Mark James Ayatin and Jayson Salibio for grave misconduct.

Ayatin and Salibio were assigned at the MMDA C-5 special traffic zone.

The MMDA said the two were found liable for grave misconduct following an investigation on the video uploaded on social media by Christ Edward Lumagui.

Lumagui filed a complaint against Ayatin and Salibio after they pulled him over at the corner of Levi Mariano Avenue and C-5 in Taguig last week.

Lumagui said the MMDA personnel refused to give him a traffic citation ticket and instead demanded P300 in exchange for the dropping of charges.

“It was clear that they conspired to extort money from Lumagui,” the MMDA resolution read.

Abalos said an administrative complaint could not be filed against Ayatin and Salibio since they were contractual employees.

“These traffic enforcers are now terminated. The MMDA will never condone any wrongdoing of our personnel,” he said.

Last week, the MMDA dismissed two traffic enforcers who were found guilty of extorting money from a motorist in Balintawak, Quezon City.