May seek motorist's disbarment, file other cases

MANILA - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it has filed a complaint against a female driver who figured in a heated confrontation with enforcers who tried to tow her vehicle for illegal parking.

A Facebook video uploaded Tuesday shows the woman on board a van telling enforcers in a raised voice that she arrived within 5 minutes after they flagged the traffic violation.

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An enforcer then told MMDA Special Operations Group head Bong Nebrija that the van hit him, prompting the female driver to taunt him: "O iyak ka na? Iyak ka na, sige (Are you going to cry? Go ahead, cry.)"

Nebrija can be seen attempting to explain the traffic regulation to the driver while she repeatedly interrupted him. The MMDA official eventually asked the woman to show her driver's license so a ticket could be issued against her, but she refused to do so.

The woman's husband later arrived at the scene, saying the driver was pregnant and warning enforcers that he would file a case if his wife suffers a miscarriage.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said in a press briefing that his agency has filed a complaint against the woman before the Land Transportation Office, seeking the suspension or revocation of her license.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has promised to take action against the motorist, who turned out to be a public prosecutor, added Garcia.

The MMDA is also studying a possible direct assault complaint and disbarment case against the woman.

Garcia urged motorists to refrain from arguing with enforcers.

"Iyung simple traffic violation po, huwag na kayong makipag-away, ibigay niyo lang po iyung lisensya niyo, titiketan kayo, tapos na. Wala pa pong 1 minute, 2 minutes iyan tapos na kaagad kaysa magkaroon ng confrontation," he said.

(When it comes to a simple traffic violation, do not argue [with the enforcer], just hand your license over, you will be issued a ticket, then it's finished. In less than one minute, two minutes it is over, instead of having a confrontation.)

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