Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada on Monday urged officials and members of the Manila Traffic Parking Bureau to be courteous in dealing with errant motorists and refrain from engaging in corrupt practices.
The reminder came amid issues against the city’s traffic enforcers for being involved in fights with motorists and errant drivers.
Estrada said he understands the pressure on the traffic enforcers, as they are to fix traffic flow all the time.
“I challenge you to always smile while on duty despite the heat, the dust, and sometimes when it rains, you still need to direct traffic. We know that some motorists and drivers are haughty and hotheaded and are spoiling for a fight,” the mayor said.
“But may I remind you that at the end of the day, your duty is to be courteous and composed in these situations. Still it’s your duty and responsibility to serve the public with a high degree of courtesy and maximum tolerance,” said Estrada.
The mayor also warned traffic enforcers to refrain from engaging in corrupt practices or face harsh consequences.
Estrada said he will be “uncompromising and unforgiving in dealing with corrupt practices, no matter how big or how small.
“This should be a lesson to you, the people we removed for extorting bribes. But I will be generous, we will be kind and we will reward those who are diligent with their duties,” the mayor said.
At present, the MTPB counts around 300 traffic enforcers. About a hundred of them are receiving P10,000 a month, with the remaining receiving P6,000 to P8,000 in salary plus other perks and incentives.
The mayor added that he plans to hold values formation and traffic education every month for MTPB personnel. He likewise encouraged the public to report good and rude deeds of traffic enforcers so that they can be rewarded and or reprimanded.