More than 150 former members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau are set to start their extensive retraining before being inducted back to the city traffic force, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada announced Monday.
Estrada assured that every trainee has been thoroughly screened and subjected to background checks to ensure that only the best and qualified will be returned to the service.
“One of our requirements is that the trainee should have at least some units in college because we’re rebuilding a new traffic force composed of highly competent and professional men and women,” Estrada said.
The new applicants comprise the second batch of old MTPB personnel to undergo extensive retraining; the first batch, composed of 82 men and women, graduated last January.
They were part of the 690 traffic enforcers of MTPB who were fired by Estrada last November for involvement in extortion and other illegal activities. Many have been given their permanent walking papers while others underwent extensive screening before being allowed to apply again.
MTPB chief Dennis Alcoreza said they have so far screened 62 applicants, several of whom were newcomers.
“We’re targeting about 160 trainees for this second batch and they will start their training this month. Lahat sila college level,” he said.
Per Estrada’s orders, Alcoreza said former MTPB members who have derogatory records were weeded out.
The 15-day extensive retraining course is being handled by the Manila Police District-Traffic Enforcement Unit and is focused on developing discipline, proper decorum and posture, and physical fitness.
The trainees also have classroom lectures about basic road accident investigation, rescue and first aid, and basic self defense techniques and the proper way of dealing with motorists.
“We plan to form a lean but mean traffic unit, composed of only about 300 men, unlike in the previous years when we have over 600,” Alcoreza said.