‘Kotong,’ no apology

There is no justification for graft not even the current low pay in government, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesman Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago said.

Pialago was referring to traffic enforcers who are often the subject of complaints, either made up or legitimate, by motorists amid the daily road congestion hitting Metro Manila’s streets.

While Pialago recognized that MMDA enforcers receive a monthly salary ranging from P8,888 to P9,000 gross monthly salary or below minimum wage, they were properly oriented on what is expected of them when they are deployed to the streets.

During her guesting at last Tuesday’s “Straight Talk with Daily Tribune,” Pialago said “being corrupt is not justifiable. Being lazy can’t be justified by (low) salary.”

“They entered MMDA knowingly and with eyes wide open,” she added.

However, she explained that in the middle of their deployment, traffic enforcers are exposed to many factors that have an effect on their attitude.

“When they are deployed on the streets, many factors sink in to them. That’s why they get involved in misdeeds,” Pialago said.

“But we don’t tolerate that civilian mindset. Sad to say, the civilian mindset of sacrificing for other people, that is really hard,” she added.

The MMDA spokesman said chairman Danilo Lim imposes a one-strike policy for those who are involved in extortion or any other irregularities, particularly those employed under job orders. Sanctions ranging from suspension to dismissal await erring regular enforcers.

When one chooses to become an MMDA traffic enforcer, Pialago explained that one should commit him or herself to man the streets eight hours a day, under the heat of the sun and even when it rains.

“You should be ready to eat smoke, face threats from drivers. It’s really dangerous,” she pointed out.

Pialago, however, stressed that Lim is now working to prioritize the increase in the salary of traffic enforcers.

She said on top of the salary, regular traffic enforcers are also covered by life and accident insurances.

Currently, MMDA has a total of 2,266 traffic enforcers composed of 1,400 permanent, 834 job order and 21 street sweepers and 11 casual employees.

She stressed that despite the below minimum salary, applicants continue to queue up to become MMDA traffic enforcers.

She said the agency now requires enforcers to have at least reached second year college — noting the importance for enforcers to gain the respect of motorists, unlike old-timers who previously served as Metro Aides or street sweepers.

MMDA is still on the lookout for 300 traffic constables with tough characters to man major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, Pialago added.

She related some of those who passed the training had a change of heart when they experienced long exposure under the heat of the sun and even rain during the rigid training program.

The official said the MMDA is not tolerating bad eggs in its rank, because corruption easily spreads just like a disease.

She said the agency actually needs a total of 7,000 enforcers, which will need additional budget from Congress.