Isko Commends MTPB Enforcers for Refusing Bribe

Photos from Isko Moreno Domagoso's Facebook page

Manila Mayor Francisco 'Isko Moreno' Domagoso lauded two Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) enforcers who went viral on social media for not accepting a bribe from a traffic violator they apprehended.

Domagoso presented MTPB enforcers Abel Abesamis and Edmundo Gatbunton Jr. during a flag-raising ceremony at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Lawton, as he commended the two for keeping up their dignity as government workers.

"The act shown by these two enforcers are worth emulating. Maybe because of the difficulty we are going through, especially when you are in the enforcement unit, many will try to bribe you, but today, I want to acknowledge your good deed and your honesty," Domagoso said in Filipino.

A post by Wayva Ann Moya-Allanigue last Friday about Abesamis and Gatbunton rejecting bribe went viral as the two earned praises from the public.

"Nakamulatan ko na kasi yung mga enforcer na mahilig mangotong (I grew up knowing that enforcers are corrupt)," the post read.

Allanigue said she was flagged down by the two enforcers for driving in a one-way street in the opposite direction as she was heading to Recto.

She got nervous being her first time to be apprehended, and remembering past advice given to her, she tried to give them a PHP500 bill, "kasi 'yun ang laging payo, lagyan nalang (that's what they always say, bribe them)."

There were no other people around during that time, Allanigue said in her post, since it was raining very hard.

She said she was also very discreet in handing the bribe, but was then rejected.

Instead, the enforcers told her: "Ma'am hindi po, bawal po. Sabi po ni Mayor, huwag po dudungisan ang dignidad para sa kaunting pera (that is illegal, ma'am. Mayor said that we should never exchange our dignity for any amount of money)."

She was also told by the enforcers never to violate traffic rules again.

She was not issued a ticket, and one of the enforcers even lent to her his umbrella so she can do her errands.

Allanigue commended the MTPB and Domagoso for having honest enforcers.

MTPB traffic enforcers are often accused of being corrupt because of some members who accept bribes from traffic violators.

Domagoso said it is inspiring to hear stories like this as he told Abesamis and Gatbunton, and all the other city government officials, to continue serving the people with honesty, whether they are being watched or not.