‘Kotong’ marshals at the Fort

Spy Bits has received numerous complaints from Bonifacio Global City residents about the alleged abuses committed by BGC traffic marshals, acting like arrogant overlords of the commercial district. These traffic marshals – described by one complainant as “rent-a-cops” – are sowing anxiety because of their alleged “kotong” (mulcting) activities through random apprehensions without clear violations and ticketing of parked vehicles even while the drivers are inside waiting for their passengers.

Apparently, these “glorified security people” have a monetary quota (in terms of tickets/citations for supposed traffic violations) and, thus, have become very adept at “entrapment operations” that target hapless motorists. According to sources, the BGC traffic enforcers – who always travel in packs – would choose a quiet street without any “No Parking” sign on it and wait until several vehicles have already been parked.

That’s when a group of motorcycle riding enforcers (sometimes as many as eight) would show up and block both ends of the street to prevent anyone from leaving – during which time they would issue traffic violation tickets with a corresponding penalty of P500. It would seem the marshals’ overzealousness is motivated by the quota since the more apprehensions and tickets, the bigger their pay for the day.

Worse, anyone who tries to contest the tickets are allegedly subjected to intimidation and bully tactics – what with the menacing black masks covering their faces – confiscating driver’s licenses despite the fact they are not authorized to do so. These traffic enforcers are employed by a private security agency and, thus, have no legal authority to confiscate driver’s licenses.

According to Republic Act 4136 – otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code – it’s the LTO that can confiscate driver’s licenses and only when there is a traffic violation, and that no city council can enforce a resolution or ordinance that is in conflict with the LTO Law.” Clearly, private villages or subdivisions and entities like the BGC and its traffic marshals cannot arrogate the powers of the LTO when it comes to confiscating licenses.

Several sources said the “kotong” activities of the marshals were stopped in the past, thanks in large part, to the initiative of the Taguig City police (composed of real policemen, not rent-a-cops). For some reason, thought, they’re back.

Aside from residents, members of the diplomatic corps, ordinary motorists and other traffic-abiding citizens have been subjected to the abuse, arrogance and the illegal practice of the marshals of issuing tickets for monetary gain.

Many are questioning the wisdom of giving quotas as basis for wages – because the number of diplomats whose children are enrolled in the international schools in BGC, the foreigners employed in the multinational corporations in the business district and residents of the high-end condos in the area have become tempting targets of what’s turning out to be a “lucrative source of income.”

To think that when BGC first created the traffic marshals back in 2000, they were touted as an elite, professional group of highly-trained enforcers who are supposed to keep peace and order and maintain the smooth flow of traffic in BGC. “They seem to be professional alright – professional mulcters,” one of the complainants commented.

Ramon Jacinto rocks as presidential adviser

My friend and the singing idol of baby boomers, Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, has always been a staunch supporter of President Rodrigo Duterte from the time the then-Davao City mayor first indicated that he was going to run for president. During lunch with Ramon the other day, he told me he really believes President Duterte is the leader this country needs, and that his appointment as presidential adviser on economic affairs and information technology (with the rank of undersecretary) is an opportunity to help realize the president’s objectives to improve the country in many areas that include education and generate more jobs for Filipinos.

Ramon is actually a very creative individual, and this is evident by his suggestions for the “Philippine Business Island” project where a whole island can be rented out by investors who can create their own police, construct facilities, build roads and plants and conduct business with relative autonomy – but still subject to Philippine laws.

We can be like Hong Kong or Singapore, and the lease from the islands would earn enough revenue that there would be no need to borrow, RJ told me, adding that he and the president also talked about the need for industrialization to create more jobs. One way to do this is through a Philippine steel mill to spawn manufacturing since steel is critical in building roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure. In fact, the first thing that Japan put up after the war was a steel mill, he added.

“Demolition job experts” are reviving old issues against the businessman-musician including cases which have been dismissed a long time ago – except for one pending before the Supreme Court which RJ is confident will also be dismissed soon. RJ is determined to succeed with the assignment given to him by the president – grateful too for the trust given to him. At 71, he considers this his “last hurrah” and feels morally obligated to help the Philippines and his friend, President Duterte, in making this country change for the better.

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