The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes on Thursday, Nov. 16, listed the lapses that led to MMDA Task Force Special Operations Chief Col. Bong Nebrija’s suspension.
Nebrija will be suspended for 15 days after reporting that Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla used the exclusive EDSA busway which the senator denied, claiming he was still in his house in Cavite when the event occurred.
Artes said Nebrija violated the Data Privacy Act, stated false information, and made a mistake in implementing the agency’s policies.
“Unang una po diyan yung possibility po na nag-violate siya ng Data Privacy Act dahil yun nga po iniimbestigahan namin kung intentionally pinangalanan niya po yung dalawa pong tao na nahuli or at least ni-namedrop na mga personalities na hindi naman po tama,” the MMDA chief told DZRH in an interview.
“[K]ahit ‘yan po ay naka-motor, naka-kotse, VIP or hindi [ay] hindi na po dapat pinapangalanan eh alam naman po natin yung magiging resulta niyan which is yung bashing,” he added.
The Data Privacy Act of 2012 states that personal data in information and communications systems of both private and government sectors should be protected.
“Yung dalawa pong magkasunod na kanyang napangalanan, it appears fake news,” Artes said, referring to Nebrija’s statement over supposed apprehension of Senator Bong Revilla and former Ako Bicol Rep. Christopher Co for using the EDSA carousel busway.
“Nasabi ni [Nebrija] na may discretion ang MMDA magbigay ng courtesy pag nakasakay yung Congressman or Senador sa isang sasakyan. Mali po yun,” Artes said, citing Nebrija’s statement yesterday where he appeared to have discretion over who uses the busway.
“[A]ng polisiya po ng MMDA ay strict sa pagpapatupad po nitong exclusivity ng bus lane at kung wala po dun sa exemption na inilagay ng DOTr sa kanilang polisiya, hindi po kami magde-decide kung sino yung palalagpasin o hindi," he said.
"Dahil kung wala po doon sa exemption [ay] kailangan po ticketan, regardless kung sino po ang nakasakay—wala po dapat pinipili,” the MMDA chief added.
