Last Saturday, Carabuena, an executive of the PMI, manhandled Saturnino Fabros after he was accosted by the MMDA traffic officer.
The petitioners claim Carabuena's behavior "is a disservice to the corporate image of PMI and the global goodwill it has earned through years."
"We do not know the reason/s that agitated him to confront the traffic enforcer. But whatever the reason, this behavior is inexcusable and must never be condoned by a globally recognized company that counts among its values emotional intelligence," they said.
The petitioners believe that Carabuena tarnishes PMI's public image.
The leading multinational tobacco company boasts of their employees as their foundation, "sharing unique values including emotional intelligence as well as being emotionally perceptive to the feelings of others and having the sensitivity to influence the moods of others in a positive way".
An insider told InterAksyon.com on Wednesday that Carabuena, PMI's resourcing supervisor, failed to come to work.
When asked if PMI would have any disciplinary action against him, the source said the company "is working" on Carabuena's case.
Meanwhile, PMI issued this statement on Wednesday:
"We are aware of the incident involving our employee Robert Blair Carabuena."
"The incident happened last Saturday (Aug 11) and Mr. Carabuena was on his personal time and was not doing any work in behalf of the company when the incident took place."
"When the complete facts surrounding the incident are not yet clear to make a full appreciation of the situation, the company would obviously not condone inappropriate conduct by any of our employees."
"We understand the matter is being investigated by the authorities and we will monitor developments closely."