A day after firing the city’s entire traffic enforcer force, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada on Tuesday said he will soon go after barangay officials who are protecting the operation of illegal transport terminals in their jurisdiction.
Estrada promised this as he asked Manileños for more patience as the city government “is doing everything it can” to improve the traffic situation in the city.
“They will be our next target,” Estrada said, referring to the alleged corrupt barangay officials. “All will be sacked.”
“We’re doing it gradually, so do not worry,” the mayor added after ordering the mass resignation of 690 traffic enforcers under the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau owing to various citizen complaints of extortion and illegal activities.
Estrada said he is aware that some barangay officials, and even a few policemen, tolerate illegal terminals because they benefit from it.
This is also the reason he is asking the help of legitimate transport organizations such as the Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association and the Pasang Masda to monitor illegal traffic activities and fix traffic jams in Manila.
“Our campaign to rid those traffic-causing illegal terminals will be useless unless we cut off the head of those protecting them, in the barangays and the police,” Estrada pointed out. “We will clean these all up.”
Asked when the Manileños will feel the effect of his intensified traffic measures, Estrada replied: “As soon as possible.”
A new batch of traffic enforcers will be recruited and trained by the Manila Police District and will be fielded in the city streets by January, the mayor said.
At present, the MPD’s 244-strong Traffic Enforcement Unit has taken over traffic management operations from the temporarily deactivated MTPB.