This clarifies Leila B. Salaverria’s articles titled “Commission on Audit: P22-M traffic enforcers’ cut illegal” (Inquirer, 10/29/11) and “Traffic aides not entitled to share of fines—COA.” (INQUIRER.net, 10/28/11)
It was reported that the incentives granted to MMDA traffic enforcers and officers were given from 2005 to 2010, totaling P22.514 million.
In this regard, we wish to clarify that the incentives were approved and granted before the term of MMDA Chairman Francis N. Tolentino. Records of the agency show that the incentives given to the Traffic Operations Center heads and officers were discontinued beginning May 2009, while incentives to traffic enforcers were discontinued as of January 2010. Tolentino assumed office last July 27, 2010.
—MA. RESA G. SABALONES-CELIZ, chief of staff, Office of the MMDA Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, MMDA Bldg., Edsa, Makati City