Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso responded to public calls for action after a motorist was charged double the usual parking fee in Divisoria.
On Tuesday, August 12, automotive publication VISOR shared a photo sent by a reader showing a parking fee slip from the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).
The MTPB acts as the city’s traffic enforcers, responsible for enforcing road rules and apprehending violators within Manila.
“I would like to report this. A woman traffic attendant of MTPB charged me P100 for parking fee in Divisoria this morning,” the publication said, quoting the reader.
“When I asked why it was P100, but in the ticket, it was only P50, she replied: ‘Ganun talaga bigayan dito.’ Hope this will reach Mayor Isko’s attention,” the reader added.
The parking fee slip showed that light vehicles are charged a flat rate of P50 for parking in the area.
The reader also shared a photo of the person who gave the parking fee slip, pointing out that they wore no uniform or any sign identifying them as an authority figure.
“This is the woman parking attendant in Divisoria. No uniform, no ID. Parang sindikato ang galawan,” the reader was quoted as saying.
‘Fake parking attendant’
Moreno then ordered a search and investigation into the “fake parking attendant” in Divisoria.
“Agarang ipinag-utos ni Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso ang pagpapahanap at imbestigasyon kaugnay ng isang Facebook post sa VISOR page tungkol sa umano’y pekeng ‘parking attendant’ sa Divisoria,” the Manila Public Information’s Office post’s read.
The MPIO also identified the “fake parking attendant” as 45-year-old Celestina Orola.
“Batay sa reklamo ng isang netizen, nakatanggap siya ng overpriced parking ticket mula sa nasabing indibidwal matapos mag-park sa lugar. Kinilala ang pekeng parking attendat na si Celestina Orola, 45 anyos, na umano’y nagpapakilalang tauhan ng Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) kahit hindi empleyado ng nasabing tanggapan,” MPIO said.
“Ayon kay Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (SMaRT) Chief Major Edward Samonte, natukoy at na-interbyu na ang babae upang siyasatin ang reklamo,” it added.
The SMaRT chief also urged other victims to come forward, file formal complaints, and provide evidence.
“Tiniyak ng pamahalaang lungsod na hindi nito kukunsintihin ang anumang uri ng panlilinlang at sisiguraduhing mananagot sa batas ang sinumang mapatunayang lumabag,” MPIO said.
Last month, an MTPB personnel was seen riding a motorcycle in the city without a license plate.
Driving a motor vehicle without a license plate is prohibited under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
The law requires motor vehicles to display license plates “in conspicuous places” on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
— with Rosette Adel
RELATED: Spotted: MTPB personnel drive without license plate in Manila
