MMDA sanctions 10 employees for violating quarantine protocols, other crimes

MANILA – Ten employees of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMA) were sanctioned for violating government protocols implemented under the enhanced community quarantine.

In a statement, the agency said MMDA President Danilo Lim ordered sanctions and penalties against employees who made mistakes that violated quarantine protocols, such as the “don’t back off” policy, not wearing face masks and physical distancing. , among others.

“We do not tolerate recklessness and serious misconduct by our staff, so we order sanctions against them,” Lim said.

Among those who were penalized were three members of the traffic staff who violated the non-backward policy, according to complaints received on social networks.

All three traffic personnel were placed on 30-day suspension and issued a traffic violation fine with a P5,000 fine.

A subway attendant was also fired from the service for alleged physical violence against his partner and his youngest son. The incident occurred on April 26 at his residence. A concerned citizen reported the incident to barangay officials.

Two other traffic aides received a 90-day preventive suspension for violating physical separation and drinking in public places amid the liquor ban in Makati City. A technical assistant, on the other hand, was fired from the service for the same violations. The three were captured by the authorities taking a party in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo in Makati on April 8.

A traffic attendant in Las Piñas was also placed on preventive suspension for not wearing a face mask or protective gear while on duty at a checkpoint on the Alabang-Zapote highway.

Meanwhile, two traffic aides were fired from the service for theft extortion. Both were arrested last April 17 for extorting money from food delivery motorcycle riders throughout EDSA Ayala and in Barangay San Lorenzo in Makati city, the MMDA said.

After the sanctions, Lim encouraged private citizens to report violations committed by agency staff and representatives.

“We are very serious in our battle against COVID-19. We can’t afford to waste the agency’s efforts because some employees blatantly ignore the ECQ guidelines. “Lim stressed out.