Cebu — In a decisive move to uphold professional integrity and restore public trust, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) has successfully concluded a mandatory five-day refresher course for its entire field personnel. Following a surge in motorist complaints regarding unethical behavior and corruption, the agency launched this comprehensive retraining program to ensure that every enforcer operates with transparency, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law. With the city administration maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward extortion—locally known as kotong—this initiative serves as a clear warning that the Mandaue local government is committed to sanitizing its streets and protecting the rights of every driver on the road.
Reclaiming the Streets Through Professionalism
The refresher training, conducted in five batches between June 22 and June 30, 2026, aimed to standardize the conduct of both veteran enforcers and newly hired recruits. TEAM head Hyll Retuya emphasized that the curriculum went beyond basic traffic rules, focusing heavily on proper citizen-approach protocols, correct apprehension procedures, and the ethical boundaries required when interacting with motorists. By utilizing real-world case studies and video evidence of past violations, the training program confronted the agency's internal challenges head-on. The goal was to instill a sense of accountability, ensuring that enforcers understand they are public servants responsible for upholding the city's reputation, not abusing their authority for personal gain.
Zero-Tolerance for Extortion and Misconduct
The Mandaue City administration has sent an unmistakable message to its workforce: any involvement in extortion or illegal solicitation will result in immediate termination. During the training sessions, city officials presented documented footage of previous corrupt practices to serve as a deterrent, illustrating exactly what behaviors lead to dismissal. Beyond the fight against kotong, the retraining also tackled administrative misconduct, such as the misuse of government-issued motorcycles for personal errands. By addressing these smaller infractions alongside more serious ethical breaches, the agency is fostering a culture of discipline that aims to prevent the erosion of public trust before it happens.
Building a Sustainable Future for Mandaue Traffic
The successful completion of this training is just one part of a broader effort to modernize traffic management in Mandaue City. By ensuring that all 200+ field personnel are operating from the same ethical playbook, the city is positioning itself to be a leader in efficient and honest traffic enforcement. Moving forward, the agency plans to keep communication lines open with the public through platforms like the 8888 Complaint Center, encouraging citizens to report any misconduct with supporting evidence. This proactive collaboration between the government and the community is vital for maintaining the safety and order of the city’s busy thoroughfares. As Mandaue continues to grow, this commitment to professional excellence ensures that the city's streets are managed by a workforce that is not only capable but also deeply committed to integrity.
