Screengrab from Bhadong Caldozo/MMDA

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) isn't letting a recent road incident slide. The agency has officially filed a complaint against a motorist involved in a tense situation that took place on August 27. The incident saw a traffic enforcer get hit while trying to stop the motorist from fleeing the scene.

MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, is leading the charge. In a two-page complaint filed with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Artes asked the LTO to throw the book at the SUV driver, who was involved in a messy accident that also affected a motorcycle rider and passenger from a ride-hailing service.

“A driver's license is a mere privilege, not a right, granted by the state, which if abused and misused may be suspended or revoked by the state, thus, will always yield to the general welfare of the community,” Artes firmly stated in his complaint.

He didn’t mince words when it came to the driver’s behavior. Artes highlighted that the motorist’s attempt to escape responsibility shows that he's "undeserving of his driving privilege" and should face suspension or even a full revocation of his license.

Despite the driver showing up at the MMDA office today and admitting that he was indeed behind the wheel during the incident, Artes wasn’t swayed by the apology. “We’re not letting this incident pass,” he emphasized, noting that charges will still be pursued.

In fact, the MMDA is gearing up to file additional charges against the driver, including attempted homicide and direct assault. According to Artes, there was a clear intent to cause harm to traffic enforcer Allan Harry Sadiua during the chaotic scene.

“Instead of facing the responsibility of side-swiping a motorcycle rider and a passenger, he tried to escape. But we will not tolerate this kind of wrongdoing. He will face criminal charges as a result of his actions,” Artes declared. He made it clear that any explanation from the driver just doesn’t cut it, especially since the incident involves assault on a person in authority with clear intent to harm.

Artes also took the opportunity to remind motorists to respect traffic enforcers, who put themselves at risk every day to manage Metro Manila's notoriously congested roads.

The Southern Police District’s traffic accident investigation report paints a vivid picture of the incident, which occurred at 8:52 a.m. along Sales-East Service Road in Brgy. Western Bicutan, Taguig City. The SUV driver reportedly side-swiped a ride-hailing motorcycle rider, and when the rider tried to block the SUV's path with his bike, the driver attempted to flee.

MMDA traffic enforcer Allan Harry Sadiua, sensing trouble, intervened. But instead of complying, the SUV driver ignored Sadiua and sped off. Sadiua gave chase and eventually intercepted the vehicle, bravely positioning himself in front of the SUV to prevent further escape. Shockingly, the SUV driver dragged Sadiua for 500 meters before slow-moving traffic finally brought the vehicle to a stop, allowing the enforcer to break free.

This incident has not only highlighted the dangers faced by traffic enforcers but also sent a clear message that reckless behavior on the road will have serious consequences.