ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry P. Treñas approved the recommendation of the Disciplinary Board of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) to suspend for 15 days without pay the traffic aide who threatened a taxi driver during an altercation.
The suspension is effective immediately, according to PSTMO head Jeck Conlu.
Traffic aide Dominador Regala acknowledged his mistake and promised not to repeat it, he added.
In approving the suspension, Treñas hopes it will serve as a lesson to all city hall employees.
The PSTMO Disciplinary Board also recommended more interventions such as mandatory re-training for all traffic enforcers. Regala has to pass the evaluation before he could return to work.
Treñas expressed disappointment over the incident which transpired on June 13 and made rounds on social media. He was dismayed with how the traffic aide handled the situation.
“I have told Jeck (Conlu) to investigate the matter and come up with whatever disciplinary action necessary under the premises,” said Treñas.
While managing the traffic, Regala called out driver Wilmer Cadano for defying the order to stop his vehicle.
The traffic aide allegedly kicked Cadano’s taxi. A heated argument ensued.
Regala allegedly threatened to kill the taxi driver.
The city mayor said the traffic aide should have maintained due decorum.
“You know, while kis-a mabudlay man ang aton serbisyo especially sa publiko nga mabudlay nga sawayon but as public servants it is incumbent upon us to maintain due decorum. As much as possible remain a gentleman at all times,” said Treñas.
The city mayor added that there are ways to resolve the matter and his office is open for complaints against city traffic personnel.
“Waay kinanglan magpainit sang ulo. Kon may reklamo sa traffic enforcer,file a complaint. I will immediately respond,” he added./PN
