Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Danilo Lim said his agency is conducting measures to rid its personnel of corruption while going back to basics in addressing the traffic situation in Metro Manila.
In a press briefing in Malacañan on Thursday, August 24, Lim said his agency is going back to basics in addressing heavy traffic in Metro Manila as well as in implementing strict discipline among MMDA personnel.
“When I assumed the office as Chairman of the MMDA last May, I said that I will not initially introduce any fancy schemes or complicated solutions but will employ back to basics and no-nonsense implementation of existing traffic rules and regulations to address the traffic situations in Metro Manila,” Lim said.
“Going back to basics means strict adherence to our existing laws, practicing a culture of discipline, road courtesy, and changing the habit of our people,” he said.
Since Lim assumed office last May, he said 12 MMDA personnel found guilty of corruption were dismissed from the service, while two got suspended, 22 were terminated for cause, 77 job orders were not renewed for cause, and 10 were dropped from rolls due to their absence without official leave.
“Alam nila na may nagawa sila na hindi maganda. So kaysa they submit themselves to the investigation process, marami diyan nag-a-AWOL na lang, hindi na rin pumapasok. So sama-sama na po ‘yun sa ano, ‘yung internal cleansing natin,” Lim explained.
He said among the measures done by the MMDA to address corruption within the agency was the reorganization and reassignment of MMDA personnel to various sectors and divisions; the granting of gift certificates and other incentives weekly to deserving Sector Teams where traffic condition in the assigned areas relatively improved; and the giving of awards to MMDA employees who showed dedication and exemplified honesty in their line of work.
“We are doing this kahit paano to address their morale, maipakita naman natin sa kanila na we care for them… Sa amin kasi sa military eh you do your mission pero at the same time, never forget the welfare of your people. Ganon lagi. So we’re accomplishing the mission. Ipinapakita natin na may pag-aalaga, pag-aaruga tayo sa kanila,” Lim said.
Lim also noted that the MMDA has filed charges in court against seven barangay captains who failed to clear their areas with illegally parked vehicles in Metro Manila.
“They have been directed by the Office of the Ombudsman to submit answers to these charges,” he said.
He said bus terminals along EDSA-Cubao and Pasay areas were also closed down for various violations. The MMDA also towed 786 vehicles, while 2,920 drivers were issued with traffic violation tickets.
Lim added that under the MMDA’s No-Physical Contact Traffic Apprehension, a total of 14,535 apprehensions were made for the period of May 24 to August 18 of 2017 while 184 colorum and 246 out-of-line vehicles were apprehended from May 24 up to August 18.
“With a forceful action and the development of a culture of discipline, kahit paano, we can restore some order and make life more vibrant and livable here in Metro Manila,” he said.
Palace lauds Filipino athletes’ win in SEA Games
In the same briefing, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella lauded the Filipino athletes who continue to win medals in the ongoing 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
“We wish to extend our congratulations to the Filipino athletes who won and gave honor in yesterday’s events in Kuala Lumpur,” Abella said.
Abella lauded Trenten Anthony Beram and Aries Toledo for winning gold in Athletics Men’s 200 meters and Athletics Men’s Decathlon, respectively; Kaitlin de Guzman for winning silver medal in Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise event; and John Paul Bejar for winning silver medal in Karate-Do Men’s Kumite-below 55 kilogram event.
The Palace official likewise recognized silver medalists Mark Harry Diones for Athletics Men’s Triple Jump and Marco Vilog for Athletics Men’s 400 meters; and bronze medalists Reyland Capellan in Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Vault; Kaitlin de Guzman for Artistic Gymnastics; Arniel Ferrera in Athletics Men’s Hammer Throw; Mae Soriano of Karate-Do under 55 kilograms; and Jasmine Alkhaldi, Aquatic Swimming Women’s 100-meter Freestyle and Aquatic Swimming Women’s 50-meter Butterfly.
Abella also cited Nicole Oliva, Rosalee Santa Ana, Nicole Pamintuan, Jasmine Alkhaldi for bagging bronze medais in the Swimming Women’s 4×200-meters Freestyle Relay; and Jemyca Aribado and Yvonne Alyssa Dalida for Squash Women’s Doubles.
“As of yesterday, August 23, 11 p.m., the Philippines has won 10 gold, 15 silver, and 20 bronze medals. So we continue to cheer Team Philippines,” Abella said. ###PND
