Manila’s barangay officials and traffic enforcers are earning millions of pesos from the city’s illegal parking extortion racket, according to incoming Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
He said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that barangay officials are in connivance with traffic enforcers who illegally collect P1,000 from every truck owner parking along Road 10, Baseco, Binondo, and other areas in the area, according to a report from The STAR.
Moreno warned that barangay chairmen could be arrested if they are found guilty of being involved in the racket. He advised barangay officials to clear the roads in their jurisdiction, especially the aforementioned areas of Baseco and Binondo.
“Illegal parking in the city will not thrive if there is no kotong (extortion),” Moreno said, and added that that he will ask the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to cancel the public utility vehicles’ franchises that are establishing illegal terminals in Lawton, Intramuros, and other parts of Manila. – With reporting from Jose Rodel Clapano/STAR
