The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has dismissed from service two erring traffic enforcers on a viral video after the investigation found them guilty of extortion and grave misconduct.
The two personnel, Edmon Belleca and Christian Malemit, were caught in a video taken and uploaded by Miriel Custodio last April 23 for asking P1,000 bribe money for non-apprehension of the violation of Republic Act 10913, otherwise known as Anti-Distracted Driving Act and Reckless Driving.
“Tanggal na po sila sa kanilang tungkulin at hindi na maaaring makapag-serbisyo pang muli.”
“Natapos na po ang imbestigasyon ng MMDA sa kaso ng dalawang enforcers na ito. Dahil sa bigat ng mga ebidensya laban sa kanila, sila po ay napatunayang guilty kaya’t tanggal na po sila sa kanilang tungkulin at hindi na maaaring makapag-serbisyo pang muli,” MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said.
The decision read: “WHEREFORE, premises considered, Respondents TA1 EDMON E. BELLECA and TA1 R1 CHRISTIAN T. MALEMIT are found GUILTY of Grave Misconduct, for which the penalty of DISMISSAL from the service is imposed.”
Prior to the dismissal, the two were put on preventive suspension as part of the administrative procedure.
The preventive suspension was only a disciplinary measure while their case is being heard and investigated by the agency’s Legal Department.
Appropriate criminal charges will also be filed consequently against the two traffic personnel.
The agency shall provide Custodio legal assistance for the filing of a formal complaint against them.
“We have coordinated with the victim in preparation for the filing of court charges against Belleca and Malemit. We will make them accountable for their actions,” Abalos stressed.
The traffic chief warned all MMDA employees not to engage in any illegal activities as the agency is serious on its drive against corruption.
“May this serve as a stern warning to all our personnel who are involved in corrupt activities.”
“May this serve as a stern warning to all our personnel who are involved in corrupt activities. We shall not hesitate to fire them and file charges against them,” the traffic head said.
He also encouraged the public to report any unscrupulous activities among MMDA personnel via the agency’s social media platforms and hotline 136 for appropriate action.
“We are serious in our campaign to weed out all erring personnel in the agency. And we need the public’s help to identify these individuals engaged in illegalities. Rest assured that the MMDA will act swiftly on these kinds of unlawfulness,” Abalos concluded.