MMDA bans vlogging of clearing ops after viral cop scolding

Metro Manila, Philippines - Vlogging clearing operations is now prohibited following the viral clip of a Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) official berating an erring cop, the agency said on Friday, April 4.

In a press briefing, MMDA chairman Romando Artes said he already signed a new policy about the documentation of their work.

“Gagawin po namin ay institutional. MMDA na lang ang magpo-post ng clearing operations namin. Whether pictures or video,” he said, noting that the policy applies to its employees and private citizens.

[Translation: We’ll do it institutionally. MMDA will be the one to post about our clearing operations. Whether these are pictures or videos]

The order stemmed from the viral incident involving Gabriel Go, the agency’s special operations group strike force head, who scolded a police captain in Quezon City over illegal parking.

Go publicly apologized to the cop and the national police on April 3 after what the National Police Commission deemed his actions as shaming the police force.

Artes said their operations won’t be affected by the incident.

The MMDA chief, meanwhile, acknowledged that vlogging clearing operations may disrupt work and may sometimes go overboard. Go’s videos of said operations have been gaining traction online even before the incident.

“Alam naman natin mas controversial, mas maraming click eh… So iyon ang iniiwasan namin na huwag maging overbearing para sa views,” Artes said.

[Translation: Of course we know, the more controversial, the more clicks…That's what we're trying to avoid. To be don’t overbearing just for the views]

Artes said the MMDA’s decision on Go’s administrative case may be released on Friday.