Law enforcers in Metro Manila are currently preferring to go easy on motorists on the first day of implementation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA).
As of noon time on Thursday, traffic enforcers have not made any arrests.
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Law Enforcement Service Chief Rolando Abelardo admits, it may be difficult for their traffic personnel to confront motorists when their evidence is just based on the enforcers’ naked eyes.
For his part, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau Chief Dennis Alcoreza says, no motorists have been apprehended so far.
He explains, his office has yet to secure the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the new law.
He also notes, the violation based on ADDA has not been printed on their traffic enforcers’ Ordinance Violation Receipts or OVR.
Nevertheless, Alcoreza says, operatives of the LTO, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) may call the attention of motorists who are violating the new measure.
ADDA bans the use of mobile phones or any communication gadget while driving or even when the vehicle is temporarily stopped at a traffic light.
The driver may only use the phone after pulling over on the side of the road following traffic rules and during emergencies.
A driver may only make a call if he is using a phone’s hands-free function and the device should not be within the line of sight set four inches above the dashboard.