The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will ask President Duterte to return the hazard pay of its traffic enforcers after a research led by Emmanuel Baja of the National Institute for Health-University of the Philippines found out that traffic enforcers on EDSA face health risks.
Among the health risks they face include high blood pressure and respiratory problems from exposure to black carbon and heavy metals.
“We shall write a letter to the President Duterte to revive the granting of hazard pay. Let’s hope we be given the chance,” MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim told around 300 traffic enforcers during their formation the other day. “I understand your plight in manning your posts and we have been pushing for the granting of your hazard pay considering the risks you encounter daily,” he added.
The MMDA chairman told traffic enforcers not to lose hope, saying they should continue to work diligently. “I understand your plight in manning your posts and we have been pushing for the granting of your hazard pay considering the risks you encounter daily,” he said.
Small salary, according to Lim, should not be a reason for traffic enforcers to engage in illegal activities. “Low salary is not an excuse to engage in unscrupulous activities,” he reiterated.
He said that he will not hesitate to come after corrupt traffic enforcers. “Since I took over, we have dismissed a lot because of illegal activities that still happen.”
In 2017, the MMDA asked the House of Representatives to pass a law providing hazard pay and salary increase of traffic enforcers. (Jel Santos)
