MMDA enforcer axed over busway breach

MANILA, Philippines — A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcer was fired for driving his motorcycle through the EDSA busway on April 30.

Personnel from the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation caught the MMDA enforcer, later identified as Dexter Rasonabe, tailgating a bus near the Santolan station of the busway in Quezon City, according to a video posted on the DOTr-SAICT’s Facebook page.

The motorcycle was seen with its hazard light switched on.

A member of the Philippine Coast Guard who joined the SAICT team tried to block the motorcycle rider but failed. The rider drove off and returned to EDSA’s regular lanes.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, in a statement on May 2, said he terminated Rasonabe’s job order contract.

Rasonabe admitted he used the busway because he was late for work, according to the MMDA.

A month ago, MMDA shuttle buses were also pulled over for using the exclusive lane. One of the drivers showed a letter from the MMDA management allegedly allowing them to use the exclusive lane, which the agency later denied.