By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — A 22-year veteran of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been dismissed from government service after he was caught driving against traffic on the exclusive EDSA Busway, an offense the agency described as a grave breach of discipline that placed lives at risk.
MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III confirmed Monday that traffic enforcer Jeffrey Tablan, 52, was removed from the agency following a viral video showing him counterflowing on the EDSA Busway aboard his motorcycle on July 16.
The MMDA said its personnel are strictly prohibited from using the busway under any circumstance, stressing that enforcers are expected to uphold the very traffic rules they are tasked to enforce.
Tablan explained that he decided after receiving an urgent call from his wife, who told him that their 10-year-old child with Down syndrome was suffering from breathing difficulties and needed immediate attention.
While acknowledging the family emergency, MMDA officials said personal circumstances could not justify violating regulations designed to protect public safety.
Traffic Discipline Office Director Vic Nuñez said Tablan’s actions were especially alarming because he allegedly entered the busway while traveling in the opposite direction, placing himself and other road users in imminent danger.
“He failed to realize he was heading directly toward an approaching bus. It was a reckless act that could have resulted in a fatal accident,” Nuñez said.
The MMDA further disclosed that Tablan admitted drinking alcohol before riding his motorcycle. Although he denied being intoxicated, agency officials noted that operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol only compounded the seriousness of the violation.
Tablan apologized for the incident and expressed regret over his actions.
Torre said the dismissal sends a clear message that no employee is exempt from the rules, regardless of years of service or position.
“The penalty is dismissal from the service. He has the right to appeal if he believes the sanction is too severe,” Torre said.
The agency said the case highlights its commitment to enforcing discipline within its ranks and ensuring that public officials remain accountable to the same traffic laws imposed on ordinary motorists.
ia/xf
