Traffic aide fired for alleged extortion

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit (ICTMU) has terminated a traffic aide who was caught on video allegedly extorting money from parked vehicles in front of Central Philippine University on Lopez Jaena Street in the Jaro district.

ICTMU head Uldarico Garbanzos stated that the traffic aide was terminated last week following an investigation.

“The maximum administrative penalty is termination from service because what he did is grave misconduct. He was terminated last week,” Garbanzos said in a press conference on Monday.

When called for an investigation, the traffic aide did not provide a statement, Garbanzos added.

The ICTMU said the incident serves as a stern warning to traffic aides to perform their traffic management functions lawfully and comply with city government protocols.

Garbanzos also revealed that alongside the recent grave misconduct case, seven other individuals were terminated for failing to undergo drug testing, extortion, tardiness, and unjustified absences.

Since assuming his post in December last year, Garbanzos reported that a total of 32 traffic aides have been terminated.

The ICTMU head mentioned they are receiving numerous complaints daily, both as walk-ins and through their digital platform, noting that complainants have affirmed their satisfaction with the responses.

Garbanzos urged the public to promptly report any ICTMU staff engaging in illegal activities.