MMDA says SC ruling on ticketing system ‘not yet final and executory’

MANILA: Following a recent decision from the Supreme Court (SC) that stops the local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) from issuing traffic violation tickets, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said that the ruling is not yet final and executory.

MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said that amid the verdict of the highest court in the land on the single ticketing system (STS), traffic enforcers within NCR may continue to arrest erring motorists and give citation tickets for traffic violations.

“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 explained.

Per Artes, 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,” Artes said.

“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),” he added.

According to the MMDA leader, he will convene the members of the MMC to discuss the effects of the SC ruling and explore options available.

Meanwhile, Artes said the MMDA 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 explained.

Admittedly, Artes said that the agency is short on manpower to manage traffic all over Metro Manila. Artes also said that should the need to deputize local traffic enforcers arise, criteria must be set to ensure that they are qualified 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 Metro Manila LGU.

Photos from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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