Mayor will give a reward: Report traffic violators who drop their names to me - Luigi

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luis "Luigi" Quisumbing urged members of the Traffic Enforcement Agency in Mandaue to report to him those who have violated traffic rules and tried to get away with the infraction by name-dropping.

TEAM is the traffic arm of the city government.

During TEAM's general assembly yesterday, he instructed all traffic enforcers to immediately inform him those who use his name or that of any city official after committing a traffic violation.

"If anyone commits a violation and uses my name and you report it, I will give you a reward. If you catch my car or any of my family committing a violation and issue a citation, I will give an even bigger reward," he said, in a statement.

In the same assembly, he praised and gave P5,000 as cash reward to traffic enforcer Francisco Nodado Jr., who earned praises in social media after he was photographed directing traffic flow amid last Friday afternoon's heavy downpour.

Facebook user Ian Pagobo shared a photo of Nodado attending to a jeepney that broke down on Ouano Avenue, which was slightly flooded at that time.

"Sa kani nga traffic enforcer ganina sa crossing sa Parkmall ug CICC, I salute you sir. Bisan sa grabe nga pag-uwan, wa gyud niya biya-i ang iyang responsibilidad isip traffic enforcer. Iya pud gitabangan ang usa ka jeep nga napawngan tungod sa grabe nga pagbaha. Saludo!" Pagobo said in his post.

Quisumbing also congratulated the TEAM personnel for their effort to manage the monstrous traffic jam caused by flooding that afternoon.

He told the traffic enforcers that under his administration, TEAM will enjoy the full support of City Hall if its personnel would do their duties properly.

He, however, warned traffic enforcers that they can expect swift punitive action if proven to be involved in wrongdoings or are not implementing traffic laws.

He challenged them to make Mandaue a "traffic discipline zone" to ensure smooth flow of traffic and strict implementation of traffic laws.

"My directive to the TEAM is to enforce all traffic rules and regulations and at all times be professional and courteous," he said in a Facebook post after the TEAM general assembly.

He also praised Nodado and the others who are hardworking and dedicated in their jobs, those who go beyond the call of duty just to serve the public.

"This morning during the TEAM General Assembly I recognized an enforcer who embodies the spirit we will instill in the entire unit. My snappy salute to T/E Francisco Nodado Jr.!" he said in his Facebook page. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon, Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (FREEMAN)