MMDA won’t sue motorists recording enforcers

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday they would not file charges against motorists who will record their transaction with erring traffic enforcers.

Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager for operations, said the agency would not get back at motorists for recording a transaction with MMDA traffic enforcers.

Carlos made the statement after a video recorded by private car owner Dianne Versoza showing an extortion try by a traffic constable along Commonwealth Avenue went viral on social media.

He said it would be up to the traffic constables, who may have felt that their rights have been violated, to take legal action.

“But the MMDA will not provide them legal assistance,” Carlos said.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the erring traffic constable had been fired.

He said the car owner may also be held liable for allegedly violating the anti-wire tapping law.

Carlos said the MMDA was not trying to threaten motorists planning to take videos of erring constables.

He reminded the traffic enforcers of the 30-second apprehension rule when issuing traffic violation tickets to motorists.