City gov’t open to complaints against traffic enforcers

By John Noel E. Herrera

The Iloilo City Government is open to receiving complaints from commuters and motorists against the alleged wrongdoings of traffic enforcers in the city.

In a press conference on Oct 10, 2022, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said that his office welcomes complaints against traffic officers.

“If you have a complaint, give it to me,” Treñas said.

The alleged wrongdoings of traffic aides, like corruption, got the attention of the public after some motorists posted them on social media.

Other motorists also claimed that they have been extorted by traffic enforcers who apprehended them for traffic violations.

But Treñas emphasized that they cannot just decide on the allegations against enforcers as they also need evidence before acting.

“We cannot make a decision based on allegations. Bisan amu niyo na ka-kontra ang traffic aides ta, tao man na sila, kwaan mo sang trabaho, allegations lang. Hindi ta man pag-i-hearing nga daw korte gid, pero ti kinahanglan may due process man,” the mayor added.

Treñas also reminded everyone to take photos or videos of traffic enforcers who are not doing their work or violating rules, and send these to him so he can take the proper action.

Meanwhile, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu said they do not tolerate the wrongdoings of their traffic aides as these complaints will be investigated.

Last Friday, Oct 7, 2022, a total of 313 traffic enforcers in the city underwent a day-long retraining at the University of the Philippines Visayas Iloilo City Campus.

Trenas said that the training will further improve the skills of the traffic aides as they will be retrained “in all aspects so that they can better assist the motorists.”

“They should know how to properly perform their duties, their attitude, decision-making, as well as the basic legal rights they should implement on the streets. We will also correct their wrongdoings while working,” Conlu added.

The city government also entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Economic and Development Authority Region 6 (NEDA-6) for the creation of the Traffic Academy Program last July 2022.

The Traffic Academy aims to professionalize the traffic aides and “revolutionize the traffic management training space through an innovative, engaging and enlightening development of traffic management personnel in the city.”