A salute to the good RTAs

Jay Valleser .

IT is more often that whenever we hear of Roads and Traffic Administration agents from the various mainstream media, it is more on the negative side, of RTA men who are unreasonably arrogant, of RTA agents who are ignorant and abusive of their powers.

I have had really close encounters with RTA agents. Ever since civilian traffic enforcers were tapped to help the undermanned traffic police force, I always had a soft heart for these underpaid, underrated, yet efficient workers — most of them, anyway. In my days at City Hall, I pushed for some to get appointed to the job and was glad to find them still there after a long while.

This is why since, positive reports are hard to come by. I am taking this corner to honor those who are working hard hoping that, somehow, I could boost their low morale because of how they are being perceived by the public.

RTA agents are doing a difficult job. They are put in charge of a problem that many drivers, both private and of public vehicles (by nature of driving attitudes and habits), are making the situation more serious and the job of RTA agents more difficult.

Pedestrians, too, seem to have not gotten any education as to how to behave while in busy streets. The job of an RTA agent appears to be boring and many think only the dumb are fit to wear the RTA uniform.

Far from it, RTA agents hold a very important function and the cure to a very serious societal problem. To be loose and lenient means a traffic situation going from bad to worse. This means they have no choice but to implement traffic rules to every one, strictly and to the letter, most specially in streets and corners prone to traffic jams.

Last week, I was driving in the vicinity of Divisoria with only one thing in mind, and that is to get off from the traffic mess as soon as I can. That was why I was unmindful of the changing traffic lights as the slow moving car in front of me had all my attention.

My speed could not be more than 20 kph and thought I crossed the corner before the light turned red. However, RTA agent Jupiter Galvez and two others flagged me and said I was beating the red light. When I looked up, it was indeed red.

When I saw them coming, I was glad and thought, “Wow! Working RTAs,” contrary to the belief that they are contented standing at the side doing nothing. He was apologetic as he defined what he thought was my violation.  I stopped his being apologetic with his “I am sorry, Sir,” and told him that he should not be sorry.

He should stop being apologetic to violators and instead implement traffic rules more strictly. I told the RTA agents that we need more of their kind and discipline on the road. Further, I told them that our streets would be better if we have traffic agents like them.

He said he recognized me from my city hall days and that the name on the license was very familiar, I told him not to be intimidated by the name and asked to be given a traffic violation ticket. He was reluctant but I assured him it was his duty and if he refused to issue me a ticket, I will work for the termination of his employment with the RTA.

Then I found out that many of RTA agents are employed on “job contract.” I wonder why efficient traffic officers like Jupiter Galvez are still on “JOs.” This “JO,” I’m sure, is one of the principal reasons why we cannot have conscientious people on the job.

The only way for mediocre RTA agents to be out is for the good RTA agents to stay in. My salute to the likes of Jupiter Galvez. May your tribe increase!