Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso defended members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) over a viral clamping incident along Juan Luna Street in Tondo, emphasizing that an investigation confirmed the enforcers acted in accordance with existing rules.
The mayor urged the public to refrain from passing judgment as he noted that the personnel followed proper procedure.
Domagoso explained that he immediately ordered a thorough review of the incident after a video of the clamping operation circulated online and drew criticism against the MTPB.
“When I saw the viral video of the clamping operation on Juan Luna Street, I first directed a thorough investigation before taking any action,” the mayor noted.
The probe revealed that the clamping was carried out after the establishment presented an expired parking permit.
In line with regulations, MTPB personnel proceeded with enforcement. Minutes later, however, the establishment presented an updated and valid permit, prompting personnel to remove the clamp and resolve the issue immediately.
Domagoso noted that the viral video showed only the clamping portion of the incident and did not include the resolution, which led to a different public perception of the event.
The uploader of the video has since apologized and admitted that the post lacked proper context and unfairly damaged the MTPB’s reputation, the mayor added.
“Bilang alkalde, pananagutan ko ang anumang abuso, ngunit ipagtatanggol ko rin ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan na tapat na gumaganap ng kanilang tungkulin, sapagkat ang hustisya ay dapat laging nakabatay sa buong katotohanan,” Domagoso said. (Diann Calucin)
