The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) admitted that it doesn’t have enough personnel to manage traffic in the entire National Capital Region (NCR), especially on inner roads.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said that if there’s a need to deputize local traffic enforcers, criteria must be set to ensure that enforcers are qualified and the agency will delegate the authority to them.
The statement was made following the latest decision from the Supreme Court, which prohibits the Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) from issuing traffic violation tickets.
The MMDA clarified that the High Court’s decision is not yet final and executory. Thus, traffic enforcers of Metro Manila LGUs may continue apprehending erring drivers and issue citation tickets for traffic violations.
Artes said the SC decision is favorable to the MMDA as it recognizes the agency’s power to regulate traffic and pass legislation.
“What is important is the recognition that the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council (MMC), has the power to pass resolutions regarding traffic,” he said.
“In effect, binaligtad na ang (it reversed an) earlier decision na nagsasabing kami (MMDA) ay walang (that said we have no) legislative powers. Sinasabi ng Korte sa decision na ito na meron (This court decision says we have), in so far as traffic regulations are concerned,” the MMDA chair noted.
Artes plans to convene the members of the MMC to discuss the implications of the SC decision and explore the available options. He said that they have to study the implications of the court decision, not only to the individual respondents but also its impact on traffic in Metro Manila.
The Metro Manila Traffic Code encompasses the single ticketing system (STS) that should be followed.
Meanwhile, the MMDA has to prepare should the SC decision be final and executory. They have to deputize local traffic enforcers in Metro Manila to issue citation tickets, and they will craft the guidelines.
The STS has been rolled out and implemented in 15 Metro Manila LGUs. The system provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.