On Monday former President Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the mass resignation of 690 traffic enforcers following allegations that they are involved in extortion and other illegal activities.
Estrada made the announcement at the launching of a "traffic super body" which aims to find long-term solutions to traffic woes in the country's capital city.
“Today, I am issuing an order for all traffic enforcers of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) to step down and turn in their resignation letters. I want all of them out, with no exceptions. Tama na. Sobra na. Palitan na," Estrada said.
The mayor assured that members of the MTPB who will be found criminally and administratively liable will "face the full force of the law."
While admitting that his order would affect the livelihood of the 690 MTPB personnel and their families, Estrada said he has to make this decision for “the greatest good” of the majority.
Traffic management operations will be handled for the meantime by 244 members of the Manila Police District (MPD) with help from barangay volunteers and other auxiliary units.
The MTPB will also undergo reorganization, according to the city government.
Estrada said the sacked MTPB personnel may re-apply for the same job provided they meet the new set of qualification standards that a special selection committee he has formed will formulate.
He said the purpose of the new recruitment process was “to weed out misfits and those that have derogatory records.”