MMDA urges motorist in viral video to file charges

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is asking a motorist, who claimed his driver’s license was broken into pieces by a traffic enforcer last Friday, to file a formal complaint with the agency.

In his Facebook post, Bong Nebrija, supervising operations officer of the MMDA, said their doors are open to Ronan Pastrana, who posted a video on Facebook on June 23, claiming that traffic constable Gilbert Rafal apprehended him for speeding along Commonwealth Avenue on Friday afternoon, then allegedly broke his license card.

Nebrija said the agency can then compare Pastrana’s video with the video taken by MMDA enforcers.

“We wish to cleanse our ranks, but through due process and not trial by social media,” he added. 

Nebrija assured Pastrana that his complaints will be dealt with accordingly. 

 A different story

Nebrija belied Pastrana’s allegations, saying his driver’s license was untouched by the traffic enforcers. He posted a photo of Pastrana’s driver’s license along with an incident report. 

In the report, the MMDA said Pastrana was apprehended at around 4 p.m. on Friday after a “laser speed gun” recorded that he was driving his motorcycle at 73 kilometers per hour along Commonwealth Avenue. The speed limit for the highway is 60 kph.

The MMDA report stated that Pastrana allegedly presented an expired driver’s license, introduced himself as member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and attempted to bribe the traffic enforcer. Nebrija said Pastrana could be held liable for usurpation of authority after he introduced himself as a member of the PNP.

Pastrana later on presented an official receipt, manifesting that he has renewed his license, the MMDA said. 

“The traffic enforcer continued in accomplishing the traffic violation receipt. Suddenly, the driver got his cellular phone and began taking videos with the group while shouting pinutol niyo yung lisensya ko (you broke my license card),” the MMDA said. 

Ronzes Rivera, head of the MMDA’s overspeeding group, signed the incident report. 

Nebrija urged netizens not to judge the enforcers without knowing both sides of the story.

Pastrana has yet to respond to Nebrija as of yesterday afternoon.