MMDA probe on alleged Stephen Speaks ‘selfie’ bribe incident ongoing

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the investigation involving a member of American band Stephen Speaks and a traffic enforcer is still ongoing for probable bribery with a selfie.

The agency shared that it has yet to come up with a sound decision on the matter as it has yet to identify the name of the Grab driver who allegedly “run a red light.”

In a Facebook post last Saturday, the band — who is currently in the country — described how the Grab driver got pulled over.

“Our Grab (like Uber) driver just got pulled over in Manila  for running a red light, and my tour crew bribed him with a selfie with me to let us go. He said he sings Passenger Seat at the karaoke bar,” the group stated in the social media post.

“I was like… I can’t believe that actually worked,” it added.

Shortly after, Stephen Speaks clarified that there was no traffic violation committed.

A few hours after posting the initial story, the band issued an apology, saying that the first statement was posted in jest. “We apologize to all who have been bothered by this seeming disregard for authority. Rest assured, we respect all the authorities in the Philippines. We will learn from this. Once more, my sincerest apologies.”

Following this, the MMDA said over the weekend that it will investigate if the traffic enforcer is one of its personnel.

“The MMDA would like to stress that fame, power, and connections are not considered free passes to avoid being ticketed. It is wrong that a traffic violator was not given a citation ticket just because the passenger is a well-known figure,” the agency noted.

Further, the MMDA stated that should the band's clarification be true, the apprehension would be a mistake since motorists who cross the green light but stuck in the middle just when the light changes to red should not be apprehended “unless given signal by the enforcer beforehand.”

“Likewise, drivers and motorists who get away with their traffic violations just by using their popularity and connections and boasting about it on social media are not praiseworthy and not something to be emulated for,” the company said.

Moreover, the MMDA said that it will coordinate with Land Transportation Office Chief Jose Arturo Tugade to look further into the possible suspension of licenses of those involved, especially those who escaped apprehension because of influence.

Photos from Stephen Speaks Facebook page, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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