The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the Supreme Court (SC) decision that prohibits Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) from issuing their respective traffic violation tickets is not final and executory.
Thus, traffic enforcers of Metro Manila LGUs may continue apprehending erring drivers and issuing citation tickets for traffic violations, said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes in a press conference held today at the MMDA Head Office.
“Sa ating mga kababayang motorista, kung kayo ay huhulihin ng mga local traffic enforcers, huwag kayong makipagtalo at i-argue na bawal na silang manghuli at mag-issue ng ticket dahil hindi pa ito (decision) final and executory,” Artes explained.
According to him, the SC decision is favorable to the MMDA as it recognizes MMDA’s power to regulate traffic and pass legislation.
“What is important is the recognition that the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, has the power to pass resolutions regarding traffic.”
“What is important is the recognition that the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, has the power to pass resolutions regarding traffic. In effect, binaligtad na ang earlier decision na nagsasabing kami (MMDA) ay walang legislative powers. Sinasabi ng Korte sa decision na ito na meron in so far as traffic regulations are concerned,” Artes stressed.
The MMDA chief said he will convene the members of the Metro Manila Council to discuss the implications of the SC decision and explore options available.
“We have to study the implications of the SC decision not only to the individual respondents but its impact to traffic in Metro Manila.”
“We have to study the implications of the SC decision not only to the individual respondents but its impact to traffic in Metro Manila,” he said.
It was cited that the Metro Manila Traffic Code encompasses the single ticketing system (STS) that should be followed.
In the meantime, Artes said the MMDA have to prepare should the SC decision be final and executory.
“Rest assured, we will study and plan for this, particularly the deputization of local traffic enforcers in Metro Manila which is needed for them to issue citation tickets. We will craft the guidelines,” he stressed.
Artes admitted the MMDA lacks the manpower to manage traffic all over Metro Manila, citing “we need the local traffic enforcers especially on inner roads”.
Should there be a need to deputize local traffic enforcers, he said criteria must be set to ensure that enforcers are qualified and the MMDA will delegate the authority to them.
Meanwhile, the STS has been rolled out in 15 Metro Manila LGUs.
The STS, through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, provides for a system of interconnectivity among government instrumentalities involved in transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties.
