A heated confrontation between a multicab driver and a traffic enforcer in Malaybalay City has sparked public outrage after allegations of unfair and selective implementation of traffic regulations surfaced following a roadside apprehension.
The incident involved a member of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) who issued a citation ticket to a multicab driver for allegedly violating traffic rules along a road with a designated yellow box section. However, the driver strongly protested the apprehension, claiming that another multicab ahead of him had been occupying the yellow box area for a much longer time but was not issued any violation ticket.
According to the driver, he felt humiliated and angered by what he described as “double standard” enforcement of traffic laws. He alleged that while he was immediately flagged down and ticketed, the other vehicle was simply ignored by the traffic enforcer despite committing what he believed was a more obvious obstruction violation.
The situation became more controversial after the driver claimed that the enforcer justified the issuance of the ticket by pointing to his attire — specifically that he was wearing slippers and short pants while driving.
The confrontation quickly drew attention from bystanders and netizens after details of the incident circulated online, triggering criticism and questions regarding the consistency and fairness of traffic law enforcement in the city.
Many residents expressed sympathy for the driver, with some questioning whether the apprehension was truly about maintaining road discipline or merely a case of selective enforcement.
“Disiplina ba gyud ang tumong o personal nga pang-init lang?” one commenter asked online, echoing sentiments shared by several concerned citizens.
Witnesses said tensions escalated as both the TMC personnel and the driver exchanged arguments at the scene. The driver reportedly insisted that authorities should apply the law equally to all motorists regardless of appearance or personal circumstances.
The Traffic Management Center has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, but reports indicate that an investigation is now ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and whether proper procedures were followed by the enforcer involved.
The controversy has reignited discussions among motorists and commuters in Malaybalay City regarding professionalism, accountability, and fairness in the enforcement of traffic regulations.
Residents are now calling on local authorities to ensure that traffic laws are implemented consistently and without bias in order to maintain public trust and avoid similar confrontations in the future.