MMDA to probe traffic light incident involving Stephen Speaks

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has issued a statement following the traffic light incident involving Stephen Speaks.

On Friday, the acoustic pop act said they “bribed” an officer when their Grab car got pulled over for running a red light. He later said the driver did not really commit a violation.

MMDA said on Saturday that they will further investigate the incident and everyone involved, adding that necessary measures will be taken.

“MMDA will investigate if the traffic enforcer who was bribed, as identified in the post of the American pop-rock band Stephen Speaks, is one of its personnel,” it said.

“The agency will coordinate with LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade to look further into the possible suspension of licenses of those involved,” it added.

MMDA also stressed that “fame, power, and connections are not considered free passes to avoid being ticketed.”

“It is wrong that a traffic violator was not given a citation ticket just because the passenger is a well-known figure.”

They added that drivers and motorists who "get away with their traffic violations just by using their popularity and connections" and boast about it on social media "are not praiseworthy and not something to be emulated for.”

Stephen Speaks, known for songs such as “Passenger Seat,” is currently in Manila for live shows.

(1/5) STATEMENT

The MMDA will investigate if the traffic enforcer who was bribed, as identified in the post of the American pop-rock band Stephen Speaks, is one of its personnel. #mmda pic.twitter.com/b7nddA27U1

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) February 18, 2023

—Franchesca Viernes/JCB, GMA Integrated News