A traffic aide of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) was arrested in Pasig City last Friday night for alleged bribery.
According to a Facebook post by the MMDA on Saturday, traffic aide Jomar Palata, 40, was arrested by personnel of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group – Special Operations Division in an entrapment operation.
The suspect was allegedly assigned to the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations of the MMDA.
Based on the police report, a female victim sought help from the police after the suspect allegedly tried to commit extortion.
According to the police report, the suspect allegedly introduced himself to the victim as a law enforcement personnel of the Land Transportation Office.
According to the victim, on April 28, the suspect told him that his commuter vans would be arrested if he did not pay P100,000.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency would not tolerate any illegal activities by its staff.
Artes urged victims of extortion and coercion and those who provide payola to report such illegal activities.
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MMDA traffic aide arrested for extortion
“The MMDA is serious in cleaning its ranks of any wrongdoings as we are likewise very firm in keeping the agency corruption-free,” said Artes.
“Anyone who was victimized by erring personnel is encouraged to lodge a complaint in our office for investigation. Proven guilty, the MMDA will not be gentle in meting out punishments for these individuals,” he added.
Artes said legitimate apprehensions from the MMDA need to be settled at the MMDA Redemption Center in Makati City or through authorized online payment channels such as Landbank and Bayad.
The traffic aide is currently detained and faces charges of robbery extortion, grave coercion, and usurpation of authority.
The punishment of imprisonment ranging from three (3) to eight (8) years and a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand Philippine pesos (Php500,000.00) but not more than One million Philippine pesos (Php1,000,000.00) shall be imposed on a person convicted for committing extortion.
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