March 16, 2026 — The Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) has strengthened its hiring process for traffic enforcers following the recent arrest of one of its personnel in a drug buy-bust operation. The move aims to ensure that only qualified, disciplined, and drug-free individuals are allowed to manage traffic on Iloilo City’s roads.
TTMO head Ret. Col. Uldarico Garbanzos said the agency had already been implementing stricter screening measures even before the incident. However, the arrest highlighted the need to further tighten recruitment and monitoring systems.
“We want to make sure that those who serve on our roads are trustworthy and free from illegal activities,” Garbanzos said.
TTMO Sets Stricter Requirements for Applicants
Under the updated process, applicants must now comply with additional requirements. These include submitting a drug clearance certificate, undergoing background investigations, and passing stricter screening procedures.
Applicants must also meet basic qualifications such as:
- Being a natural-born Filipino citizen
- A resident and registered voter of Iloilo City
- Between 21 and 55 years old
- Physically and mentally fit
- Preferably a college graduate or with a criminology background
Recommendations from barangay officials are also encouraged to support the applicant’s credibility.
According to TTMO, these measures are designed to filter out individuals who may pose risks to public service.
Drug Testing and Internal Monitoring
Aside from stricter hiring, TTMO is also intensifying its internal monitoring. Regular and random drug testing is now being conducted among traffic enforcers and other personnel.
This comes after a traffic enforcer, identified by alias “Saad,” was arrested in Barangay Camalig, Jaro. Authorities recovered around 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately ₱408,000 during the operation.
Police said the suspect had been under surveillance before the arrest. He is now facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Following the incident, TTMO conducted drug testing on more than 400 personnel as part of its internal cleansing efforts.
Garbanzos said the agency will continue to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate any possible involvement of other personnel in illegal drug activities.
Strengthening Professional Standards
TTMO also emphasized the importance of continuous training and education for its enforcers. The office regularly conducts Traffic Information Continuing Education programs to remind personnel of their responsibilities and the consequences of engaging in illegal activities.
In line with this, Iloilo City has previously established a Traffic Academy to train aspiring enforcers before deployment. The program aims to improve skills, discipline, and knowledge in traffic management.
Officials believe that combining stricter hiring standards with proper training will help professionalize the city’s traffic enforcement system. TTMO’s stricter hiring process is expected to improve road discipline and enforcement.
Authorities said having qualified and reliable enforcers can lead to more consistent implementation of traffic rules, reduced violations, and safer roads.
The agency assured the public that it remains committed to maintaining order and integrity in managing Iloilo City’s traffic.
“We will continue to improve our systems to serve the public better,” Garbanzos said.
With these reforms in place, TTMO hopes to rebuild public trust and ensure that its personnel uphold the highest standards of public service.