Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Oscar Inocentes lashed back Saturday at his detractors, saying "I know what I’m doing,” following criticism that he lacks experience and knowledge in handling the operation of the agency. Inocentes took over the agency last Dec. 1.

“Before I go to work every morning, I usually go around in the streets, observing traffic. I had been a traffic court judge and I know what I’m doing,” Inocentes said.

Inocentes, a retired trial court judge, said he has extensively studied the MMDA charter and reviewed the programs left by his predecessor, former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.

“MMDA is a multi-faceted agency, part infra (infrastructure) and part traffic. I studied it well. Kung tama naman ang project, I retain it,” Inocentes said.

Last Monday, during the regular flag-raising ceremony, the MMDA chief reprimanded his subordinate, Traffic Operations Center chief Angelito Vergel de Dios, and gave him until next month to ease the heavy traffic volume on major roads in the metropolis.

De Dios advised him to personally inspect and observe first-hand the flow of traffic in Metro Manila.

Inocentes said as a former traffic court judge, he had tried cases related to illegal construction and encroachment on public spaces and sidewalk vendors.

As part of his responsibilities, Inocentes said he is also in constant talks with motorists who complain of traffic congestion and alleged extortion of MMDA traffic enforcers.

Expressing concern over the motorists’ complaints, Inocentes vowed to slap the necessary sanctions against MMDA officials who will be found lax in their duties.

This week also, Inocentes retracted his order allowing the presence of sidewalk vendors during the holiday season.