Traffic enforcer explains what led him to drive counterflow on EDSA busway
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority traffic enforcer caught driving against traffic on the EDSA busway explained that his actions were caused by panic over a family emergency.
On July 20, traffic aide Jeffrey Tablan faced members of the media to address his traffic violation, which went viral on social media.
"Dala lang po ng problema sa aking pamilya, lalong-lalo na sa aking anak na PWD, na may sakit po sa puso," he said. “Nataranta po ako, dala lang po ng problema talaga. Tumawag po sa akin ang asawa ko na nahirapan po siyang (aking anak) huminga."
Tablan, 52, also admitted to drinking a "small amount" of alcohol.
"Nalulungkot ang MMDA sa nangyaring ito," the agency's General Manager Nicolas Torre III said on Monday. "Nakita natin breach of internal discipline at ito ay hindi natin tinotolerate."
A show cause order has been served against Tablan, who may face administrative cases.
“The MMDA will be throwing the full force of the law, all the books on him regarding sa administratibong disiplina. Based sa ating nakikitang facts of the case, may grave misconduct talaga na dismissal from the service ang parusa," Torre added.
According to MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director III Vic Nuñez, Tablan has been with the agency for 22 years. This is the traffic enforcer's first administrative case.
Late in the evening of July 16, Tablan was caught on video counterflowing along the EDSA busway near White Plains in Quezon City. He was seen stopped in front of a bus, appearing to try to pass through.
"Hindi kasya 'yan, hindi kasya. Balik ka," a man, who appeared to be the bus driver, was heard telling Tablan in the now-viral video. The driver got off the vehicle to face Tablan, who was wearing an MMDA uniform under a jacket.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said on Thursday that Tablan would face a P5,000 bus lane violation and administrative sanction.
