Despite being perceived as the epitome of discipline, Fernando has his hands full on the numerous complaints against his traffic enforcers leaving their posts especially during heavy rains.
Fernando insisted that the MMDA traffic enforcers are not even allowed to seek cover in the shade while directing traffic even under the scorching heat of the afternoon sun.
Informed of the ever-increasing complaints against MMDA traffic enforcers, Fernando immediately warned them that they would be reprimanded and sacked for abandoning their posts.
Tough words coming from the MMDA chairman indeed.
An MMDA traffic enforcer manning one of the major thoroughfares in Quezon City dared Fernando to reprimand and sack those caught leaving their posts.
Describing Fernando as a power-control freak, he challenged the MMDA head to leave his air-conditioned office and try directing traffic under the heat of the sun or under inclement weather conditions.
"We are human beings too. If not for our families to feed we would be seeking other jobs. Sad to say we are left with no choice but to swallow our pride. Eight to 12 hours of being exposed to smoke, heat and other harmful elements is simply too much for us," the MMDA traffic enforcer noted.
He noted that should Fernando push through with his order, not a single MMDA traffic enforcer would remain with the agency to direct traffic.
Instead of being confrontational or combative about the situation, the traffic enforcer stressed that Fernando should consult them and inquire what should be done to tackle the complaint.
His colleagues tried to convince him to stop issuing anymore statements fearing that they would get the ire of Fernando but the irate traffic MMDA personnel insisted on airing his grievance on the pretext that his identity would be withheld.
Fernando said anew that the agency has a strict policy governing its traffic personnel who leave their posts rain or shine.
"We have been very strict about this. Our traffic enforcers have the necessary equipment. During rains they have raincoats and hoods to use," Fernando noted.
To prove that he means business, Fernando only recently sacked the chief of the Inspectorate Unit of the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) who is in-charge of monitoring the performance of the MMDA’s field personnel.
Fernando expressed disbelief on the report of Inspectorate chief Bobby Aguilar that he only caught 20 traffic enforcers who were not on their posts in the last six months.
Last month, 20 motorcycle traffic enforcers were demoted for abandoning their posts and patrol areas during routine checks.
MMDA TOC Executive Director Angelito Vergel de Dios said Fernando is always on the lookout conducting surprise inspections on main roads checking for the presence of his men.
For their own protection, De Dios said that the traffic district commanders have been reminding the traffic enforcers time and again to bring their rain gears especially during the rainy season.
The disgruntled MMDA traffic enforcer reminded his superiors that providing them with ample dayoff with pay is as important as providing them with the right gear.
Being exposed to all forms of elements six days a week for eight to 12 hours is simply too taxing for any human being.
