Village volunteer peacekeeper sued for ‘bribing’ traffic aide

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A case was filed on Feb 23, 2023, against a Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) member for allegedly bribing a traffic enforcer who apprehended him for violating rules.

The case was filed before the Roxas City Prosecutors’ Office against Roberto Bengan of Brgy. Dinginan here.

Information from the Roxas City Police Station indicated that Ace Espino of the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) was patrolling Hemingway Street at Barangay XI here when he spotted Bengan driving his tricycle with an unreadable registration plate.

Espino hailed Bengan and asked for his driver’s license, but the latter failed to present one.

Bengan then allegedly offered the traffic enforcer P500 cash in exchange for letting him off the hook. But Espino refused and instead told the driver to pay fines at the City Hall for his violation.

But Bengan allegedly insisted, prompting Espino to ask for help from his colleagues. They then arrested Bengan and took him to the Roxas City Police Station.

When asked by reporters why he refused the offer, Espino said “indi mabakal akun dignidad kag wala ako nagakasilaw sa kuarta (No one can buy my dignity and I am not easily swayed by money).”