NCR LGU traffic enforcers may still issue tickets to erring motorists, MMDA says

Traffic enforcers from local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) may still issue citation tickets amid the recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling on single ticketing system (STS), the leadership of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

Such a statement was issued by MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes, explaining that the recent ruling from the pertaining to the is not yet final and executory.

“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 (to our fellow motorists, if you are caught by local traffic enforcers, do not argue that they are no longer allowed to apprehend and issue a ticket because it is not [decision> final and executory),” Artes said.

He also mentioned that the 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,” the MMDA chief explained.

“In effect, binaligtad na ang earlier decision na nagsasabing kami (MMDA) ay walang legislative powers. Sinasabi ng Korte sa decision na ito na meron insofar as traffic regulations are concerned (In effect, the earlier decision mentioned that the MMDA do not have legislative powers has been reversed. The Court says in this decision that there is insofar as traffic regulations are concerned),” Artes added.

Artes shared that he would convene the members of the MMC to review the effects of the ruling from the highest court in the land.

The agency, Artes noted, needs to prepare should the decision become 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 said.

He also admitted that the agency is lacking in manpower to handle traffic in Metro Manila. Should the need to deputize local traffic enforcers arise, criteria must be established to ensure the qualifications of personnel and the MMDA will delegate the authority to them.

Meanwhile, the single ticketing system — which harmonizes fines and penalties pertaining to traffic violations — has been rolled out in 15 cities in Metro Manila.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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