By Alec Go
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Saturday, Feb. 18, that it will investigate if the “bribed” traffic enforcer in the post of pop-rock band Stephen Speaks is among its personnel.
In a statement, the MMDA said that it will work with the Land Transportation Office to look into license suspension of those involved.
“The MMDA would like to stress that fame, power, and connections are not considered free passes to avoid being ticketed. It is wrong that a traffic violator was not given a citation ticket just because the passenger is a well-known figure,” it said.
“Drivers and motorists who get away with their traffic violations just by using their popularity and connections and boasting about it on social media are not praiseworthy and not something to be emulated for,” it added.
On Friday evening, the American band shared in a social media post that “tour crew bribed him [enforcer] with a selfie after their Grab vehicle was pulled over for alleged red light violation.
The band later updated its post, saying that the Grab driver’s dash cam showed “that he was clear of the light” and “someone stopped in front of him” that prevented the vehicle from passing.
“We aren’t criminals here. I saved that kid from a traffic ticket he didn’t deserve,” it continued.
The MMDA said the apprehension is wrong if the band’s accounts are true.
“Motorists who cross on a green light but [get stuck] in the middle just when the light changes to red should not be flagged down unless given signal by the enforcer beforehand,” it said.
Stephen Speaks issued an apology on Saturday and assured that they “respect all the authorities in the Philippines.” – gb
