The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is investigating two of its personnel who were seen in a viral video playing online games inside a Quezon City convenience store.
The MMDA has not disclosed the identities of its personnel who were caught on footage playing “Mobile Legends” at an establishment situated at the intersection of Quezon Avenue and Don Alejandro Roces Avenue.
The agency is looking into the incident to determine whether the employees were taking authorized “breaks” or violated any regulations or policies regarding their conduct during work hours.
In an interview with One News, MMDA Traffic Education Division chief Edison Nebrija Jr. said disciplinary actions may be considered if the investigation finds that their behavior was inappropriate.
“The good thing is I noticed what they are playing. It was not e-gambling,” Nebrija said, referring to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum circular prohibiting government personnel from accessing online gambling platforms or engaging in any form of online gambling.
The MMDA official said traffic enforcers are allowed a one-hour lunch break, along with two 15-minute breaks, one in the morning and another in the afternoon, with a system in place for rotating enforcers during these breaks.
“We are permitted to take a rest. Even during summer (season), we have a heat stroke break. There will be a rotation because they need to relieve themselves at times, so it is essential for them to have a break,” Nebrija said.
“Whatever they were doing was permissible during their break; it is allowed as long as it is within the designated time. You can even talk to your family during breaks; it does not prohibit you as long as your activities during your break are legal,” he added.
However, Nebrija said the question is if the said personnel went beyond their breaks: “That’s something we need to find out.”
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes had previously stated that he would not hesitate to dismiss service traffic enforcers and other agency employees found to be abusive and remiss in their work.
