(Eagle News)– Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday (Novemebr 28) ordered the mass resignation of 690 traffic enforcers over allegations of extortion and other illegal activities.
Estrada made the announcement at the launching of Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).
While admitting that his order would affect the livelihood of the 690 MTPB personnel and their families, Estrada said he has to make this decision for “the greatest good” of the majority.
For the meantime, traffic management operations will be handled by 244 members of the Manila Police District (MPD) with help from barangay volunteers and other concerned units.
The traffic body will also undergo reorganization.
According to Estrada, the sacked MTPB personnel may re-apply for the same job if they meet the new set of qualification standards that a special selection committee he has formed will formulate.
The mayor has tasked the traffic super body to oversee the strict implementation of traffic rules in the city and come up with solutions to help decongest the city’s main traffic ways.
“Traffic is everybody’s concern. We should come up with a collective effort to address our perennial traffic problems,” said MTPB head Dennis Alcoreza.
MTPB is composed of elements of the MPD Traffic Enforcement Unit, the city government’s Department of Public Services, the Manila Tricycle Regulatory Office, Office of the City Engineer, Manila Barangay Bureau, City Treasurer’s Office, and the Manila City Hall Action and Support Assignment, as well as officials and representatives of local transport groups, Parents-Teachers Associations, city councilors, and barangay officials.