Malacañang on Friday called on the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to enforce traffic rules without fear or favor, saying nobody is above the law.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said MMDA personnel should not hesitate to do their job even if the traffic violators involve President Benigno S. Aquino III’s relatives and Cabinet secretaries.

Lacierda issued the reminder following reports that a traffic aide refused to issue a parking ticket to the driver of television host Kris Aquino outside a television studio in Quezon City. A private motorist reportedly complained that while he was issued a parking ticket, the traffic enforcer ignored the parking violation made by the driver of the President’s youngest sister.

“Let me tell the MMDA officials, all officials concerned, walang kinikilangan ang pamahalaang ito. Kung sino man ang nagkasala, ticket-an ninyo. (The government does not take sides. You should issue a ticket whoever violates the law). Do not be afraid even if he’s related to the President or related to any Cabinet secretaries or the Cabinet secretaries themselves. You apply the law without fear or favor,” Lacierda said in a news conference in the Palace.

“I’m encouraging all the officials concerned, huwag kayong matakot kung mataas yung titiketan. (Don’t be afraid if you will issue a ticket to somebody powerful) It is incumbent upon you to enforce the law. If a person violates a particular ordinance or particular law, let’s do so, let’s issue the necessary ticket to them,” he added.

Lacierda also reminded the President’s relatives and public officials of their responsibility to follow the law and the government’s thrust on good governance, especially the campaign slogan of “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap.”

“They have a huge burden now,” Lacierda said. “It’s a burden on their part really to uphold the virtues and the promises of the President more than anybody else.”

President Aquino has not used car sirens to beat traffic or violated any traffic rule while he travels to and from functions in bid to set an example.

Recently, Malacañang warned some groups against using the President’s name to escape their offenses from pursuing authorities. Lacierda said they don’t tolerate the practice of “name-dropping” so some groups could elude authorities or propagate their businesses