The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it is ready to start using body cameras for traffic enforcers to deal with erring motorists after local executives in the National Capital Region (NCR) approved the guidelines presented by the agency.
Members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) made the approval following a recent meeting with MMDA officials at the agency’s central office in Pasig City. The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in NCR, is the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA.
The MMDA led by its chairman Don Artes presented the guidelines on the proper use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers and procedures when flagging down motorists beginning next month.
The recordings from the body cameras will be linked to the MMDA Command Center. it can be used as evidence in case there is a complaint or there is an illegal transaction between the caught motorist and the traffic enforcer.
Artes said the agency will continue to collaborate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units in the use of body worn cameras.
The MMDA chief said the body-worn cameras with video and audio recording feature, will protect both the traffic enforcers and the motorists being apprehended.
“The use of body-worn cameras will prevent traffic enforcers from taking bribes and motorists offering bribes since the Metrobase will record the apprehension process. The footage may serve as evidence,” he said.
Artes said the cameras, designed to capture and record the entire conduct of the operation, are similar to gadgets being used in the United Kingdom. The gadgets have six to eight hours of battery life.
Also present at the meeting include MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francisco Zamora, Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and National Capital Region Police Office director Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.