Allegations of certain traffic enforcers receiving commissions from the Metro Towing Services (MTS), a private partner of the Bacolod City Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), are not considered illegal, according to BTAO deputy head Jose Antonio “Jojo” Robello.

Robello clarified that MTS directly gives a percentage of the fees — P25 for clamping and P50 for towing — to the enforcers.

He explained that these amounts do not involve funds from the city government or BTAO, which makes the practice legal in his view.

However, Robello stressed that if BTAO operates clamping or towing on vehicles without violations and receives commissions, such actions could be deemed illegal.

These allegations were initially disclosed by John Rey Sarona, a former traffic enforcer, who claimed that enforcers received weekly payouts from MTS.

Robello said that the issue is solely between the enforcers and MTS and does not implicate BTAO unless proven otherwise.

He added that if Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez decides to halt this practice, BTAO will engage with MTS to discuss the matter, although the office cannot impose directives on the private company.

Robello also dismissed Sarona’s claim that BTAO leaders were aware of the commission system, stating that there is no evidence to support the allegations./WDJ