- Several members of Pasay Traffic Unit (PTU) were recorded extorting from motorists
- Racket took place 15 times in just two days
- PTU and MMDA to conduct an investigation into the incidents
MANILA, Philippines – Warning to motorists plying EDSA Extension in Pasay City: there’s a racket going on there.
In an expose by GMA News, several members of the Pasay Traffic Unit were caught red-handed via an MMDA-owned CCTV apparently extorting money from motorists in the area.
At least six motorists were recorded as having been victimized by the unscrupulous enforcers. In one instance, an enforcer opened the door of the apprehended van himself — a violation of standard operating procedures.
In another, the enforcer can be seen taking the picture of a sedan’s license plate before getting a handout from the driver.
In the first incident, the apprehending enforcer can even be seen smiling as he walks back to his colleagues; notebook and money from the car owner in hand.
According to the report, the extortion incidents took place at least 15 times in a span of two days and involved the same group of enforcers. Their favorite targets right now are vehicles — private or otherwise — using conduction stickers instead of license plates.
Pasay Traffic chief Arturo Fortaleza expressed his dismay at his men’s wrongdoings and promised to conduct a probe into the incident.
For their part, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Emerson Carlos — while reiterating that interaction between enforcers and motorists should only last two minutes to avoid opportunities for extortion — urges motorists who know they committed no violation to stand their ground against the enforcers if they have been apprehended.
“If the driver believes he did not do anything wrong, he can contest it,” he said.
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