Hazard pay for MMDA traffic enforcers pushed

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will ask the government for a hazard pay of P3,000 for its traffic enforcers and other field workers.

In a radio interview yesterday, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said agency officials made the proposal after a study conducted by the University of the Philippines Manila National Institute for Health showed that exposure to black carbon and heavy metals affects the traffic enforcers’ blood pressure and lung function.

According to the study, lead was found in the enforcers’ blood, which could imply systemic inflammation. Female enforcers and those who never smoked cigarettes were also found susceptible to this.

The study was conducted among 158 traffic enforcers.

Pialago said the hazard pay should cover other field workers such as street sweepers and those involved in sidewalk clearing and flood control operations.

Outgoing Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo has filed a bill seeking to grant hazard pay for MMDA traffic enforcers. But the measure remains pending in the House of Representatives.

Castelo proposed a fixed term of office for the MMDA chief to ensure smooth operations and insulate the agency from political pressures.

“It would ensure continuity of policies and programs of the agency,” he said. – Delon Porcalla