Pasig city: A traffic enforcer of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is facing dismissal from the service for his act of counterflowing on the EDSA Busway, which went viral on social media.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a press conference at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III identified the enforcer as Traffic Aide I Jeffrey Tablan, a permanent employee with the agency for 22 years. Torre expressed the agency's disappointment, emphasizing that this breach of internal discipline would not be tolerated and would be met with the full force of administrative law.

Tablan has been issued a show cause order and a ticket for his violation, with the agency pursuing dismissal from the service. Torre further stated that dismissal is the likely outcome, although Tablan has the right to appeal if he deems the punishment too severe.

Based on the gathered facts, there is substantial ground for grave misconduct, which warrants dismissal as a penalty. The MMDA enforces an internal policy against its personnel using the bus lane, underscoring the severity of the violation.

Traffic Discipline Office Director Victor Nu±ez, Tablan's direct superior, reported that the incident took place Thursday night along White Plains Avenue northbound, near Ortigas Center, where Tablan's vehicle nearly collided with an oncoming bus. The bus driver's quick reflexes prevented a potentially fatal accident.

Nu±ez noted that the video evidence suggested Tablan appeared intoxicated, as he seemed unaware of driving against traffic. Tablan, aged 52, claimed he was rushing home due to a family emergency after receiving a call from his wife. However, if found under the influence of alcohol, it would serve as an aggravating factor in his administrative case.

If found guilty, Tablan would also face forfeiture of benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.