A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer faces dismissal after he was caught on video driving the wrong way down the restricted EDSA Busway, officials said Monday.

Traffic Aide I Jeffrey Tablan was recorded 16 July maneuvering against oncoming traffic along the northbound lane of the EDSA Busway near White Plains Avenue in Quezon City. The footage showed Tablan counterflowing as a commuter bus approached from the opposite direction.

MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said Tablan’s actions could constitute grave misconduct, an administrative offense punishable by dismissal from government service. Officials stressed that personnel tasked with enforcing traffic regulations are held to a higher standard of discipline.

“Based on the facts gathered, there is grave misconduct that could warrant dismissal as a penalty,” Torre said, noting that the agency would still give Tablan the opportunity to respond to the allegations. “We do not tolerate such violations.”

Tablan told agency investigators that he panicked after his wife called to inform him that their 10-year-old child, who has Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition, was having difficulty breathing. He said the emergency caused him to lose focus.

“My mind went blank; I panicked,” Tablan said. “I did not realize that where I entered was wrong.”

Tablan also acknowledged that he had consumed alcohol at a birthday gathering before the incident, but he maintained that he was not intoxicated while driving.

The MMDA has issued a show-cause order requiring Tablan to formally explain his actions, which will be used to determine the final penalty.

MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director III Vic Nuñez reiterated that agency personnel are strictly prohibited from entering the EDSA Busway unless explicitly authorized. He said entering the restricted lane and driving against the flow of traffic constitutes serious misconduct.