The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has spent
P100,000 (US$2000) on berets for 2,000 of its traffic constables, in what has
been described as an effort to spruce up the image of MMDA personnel.
Members of the Philippine Army’s elite Scout Ranger
Regiment, which MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim once headed, are reportedly not
amused. Neither are the commandos of the police Special Action Force, who must
work to earn their berets in the elite SAF. Taxpayers are also grumbling about
the expenses for the MMDA berets, with more to come for those tasked to enforce
ordinances against jaywalking and littering, according to reports.
The principal concern of the public, of course, is the
performance of the MMDA traffic aides. This means not just lying in wait at
strategic spots to pounce on motorists along speed traps, but actually
untangling traffic and keeping vehicular flow moving. Jeepneys and buses
Whatever headgear they are wearing, traffic constables are
also expected to remain at their posts during downpours and floods. The MMDA
should provide appropriate protective gear and equipment against the elements
for its personnel so they don’t disappear when the rain starts pouring.
Heavy-duty protective dust masks are also needed by traffic aides against the
foul air of Metro Manila.
MMDA officials said the berets have boosted the morale of
their traffic aides, who now pay more attention to their grooming and act
snappy. This in turn encourages discipline among motorists, the MMDA officials
said. Whether improved grooming will end kotong or petty extortion remains to
be seen. For the public, the main concern is whether the traffic aides will do
a better job. There’s traffic to keep flowing, and gridlocks to untangle.
Thanks, Heath
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