ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Advocates Philippines
MMDA To Investigate Stephen Speaks Selfie Bribe
Combine MMDA logo and Stephen Speaks. Photo courtesy MMDA and Stephen Speaks
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has launched an investigation after the American pop-rock band Stephen Speaks posted a story on social media alleging that their tour crew bribed a traffic enforcer with a selfie to avoid getting a ticket.
In the Facebook post, Stephen Speaks wrote that their Grab driver was pulled over for running a red light in Manila, but the tour crew managed to get the enforcer to let them go by offering a selfie with the band. The post has since been edited, clarifying that the driver had a dash cam showing that he was clear of the light and that the word "bribe" was not an accurate description of what happened.
The MMDA, however, is taking the incident seriously and will investigate if the traffic enforcer involved is one of its personnel. The agency emphasized that fame, power, and connections are not acceptable reasons to avoid being ticketed for a traffic violation. If the band's claim is accurate, then the apprehension was wrong since the driver should not have been flagged down unless given a signal by the enforcer beforehand.
Moreover, the MMDA stressed that drivers and motorists should not get away with traffic violations by using their popularity and connections, and boasting about it on social media is not praiseworthy behavior. The agency will coordinate with Land Transportation Office Chief Jay Art Tugade to look further into the possible suspension of licenses of those involved, especially those who escaped apprehension because of their influence.
The MMDA's investigation sends a clear message that traffic laws apply to everyone, regardless of their status in society. The agency urges motorists to follow traffic rules and regulations to ensure road safety for all.
In the Facebook post, Stephen Speaks wrote that their Grab driver was pulled over for running a red light in Manila, but the tour crew managed to get the enforcer to let them go by offering a selfie with the band. The post has since been edited, clarifying that the driver had a dash cam showing that he was clear of the light and that the word "bribe" was not an accurate description of what happened.
The MMDA, however, is taking the incident seriously and will investigate if the traffic enforcer involved is one of its personnel. The agency emphasized that fame, power, and connections are not acceptable reasons to avoid being ticketed for a traffic violation. If the band's claim is accurate, then the apprehension was wrong since the driver should not have been flagged down unless given a signal by the enforcer beforehand.
Moreover, the MMDA stressed that drivers and motorists should not get away with traffic violations by using their popularity and connections, and boasting about it on social media is not praiseworthy behavior. The agency will coordinate with Land Transportation Office Chief Jay Art Tugade to look further into the possible suspension of licenses of those involved, especially those who escaped apprehension because of their influence.
The MMDA's investigation sends a clear message that traffic laws apply to everyone, regardless of their status in society. The agency urges motorists to follow traffic rules and regulations to ensure road safety for all.
Feb 19, 2023
