The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority gained the all-out support of the stakeholders on the use of body-worn cameras for its traffic management and enforcement operations to help promote transparency in carrying out apprehensions of traffic violators.
During a stakeholders meeting, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes and other agency officials presented the drafted rules on the use of body worn cameras for traffic enforcers and procedures when flagging down motorists.
Stakeholders present in the consultation were 1-Rider Party-List Representative Bonifacio Bosita, public transport groups, motorcycle riders’ associations, automobile associations, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila local government units, concerned government agencies, among others.
The procedure presented details what traffic enforcers should say when motorists object to being recorded and if motorists invoke their right to privacy.
“We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation.”
“We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation,” Artes explained.
He said stakeholders’ comments will be consolidated and be presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA, whose members are the 17 Metro Manila mayors.
“Ang pagsulong ng body-worn cameras ng mga enforcers ay isang patunay ng sincerity ng kanyang leadership sa public service.”
In the meeting, Bosita praised Artes’ leadership, citing that traffic enforcers’ use of body-worn cameras will provide effective traffic enforcement operations.
“Kami ay nakasuporta kay Chairman Artes dahil nakikita natin dito na ang pagsulong ng body-worn cameras ng mga enforcers ay isang patunay ng sincerity ng kanyang leadership sa public service. Kitang kita ang kanyang dedikasyon para magampanan ang kanyang trabaho,” said Bosita.
Transport groups and other stakeholders likewise threw their support to the MMDA.
Obet Martin, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANGMASDA) national president, lauded Artes leadership and expressed appreciation for the MMDA’s action. They also called for the inclusion of traffic education in the school curriculum.
Artes 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,” said Artes.
Artes said the body-worn 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.
Initially, 120 body cameras will be distributed to traffic enforcers who are authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators.
