Lim cracks down on corrupt traffic aides

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has warned the city hall’s traffic aides that they would be dismissed from service if they persist in stopping motorists who have not committed any traffic violation.

This was revealed to The STAR by retired police colonel Franklin Gacutan, chief of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), following complaints from motorists that most traffic aides have the habit of unnecessarily stopping them even when they have not violated traffic rules.

Complaints reaching Lim’s office showed that instead of directing traffic, many MTPB personnel are preoccupied with arresting motorists reportedly to be able to “extort” money from them.

“The main task of the MTPB is to decongest traffic and maintain the free flow of vehicles. They are not authorized to make arrest, unless a grave traffic violation such as reckless driving is being committed,” Gacutan said.

There is a widespread perception among the public that MTPB personnel are out in the streets to make a “fast buck” from gullible motorists, according to a Manila official.

Motorists said despite the presence of several MTPB personnel, traffic along Taft Avenue in front of the city hall building is always slow-moving since no aide bothers to direct traffic.

Motorists also complained that MTPB personnel do nothing about jeepney drivers using areas near the city hall as illegal terminals, holding up vehicular traffic.

Motorists interviewed by The STAR said the opening of a road from Intramuros to a mall in Arroceros makes the traffic situation worse. However, Gacutan said the MTPB is training its traffic aides on how to “stretch” the flow of vehicles in this traffic-prone area.

Gacutan blames the diggings caused by utility companies in many parts of Manila as the main cause of traffic problems in the city. He said he was assured by utility companies that the diggings will be over by January. – Nestor Etolle