MMDA to provisionally deputize NCR traffic enforcers

MANILA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it will provisionally deputize traffic enforcers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Per the agency, the traffic personnel of the 17 local government units (LGU) in Metro Manila will be empowered to continue issuing traffic violation tickets to erring motorists through the issuance of the said mandate.

The decision to deputize the NCR traffic enforcers was spurred by reports that apprehended motorists argue with local traffic enforcers, stating that they are unauthorized to issue traffic violation tickets.

“We have agreed to give local traffic enforcers in Metro Manila provisional authority for now to prevent anarchy on the roads,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Attorney Don Artes after he met with the mayors of Metro Manila — via a Metro Manila Council (MMC) Special Meeting — to discuss the Supreme Court (SC) decision ruling that the MMDA has jurisdiction as far as traffic regulations are concerned, prohibiting the LGUs in the Metro to issue their traffic violation tickets.

“Our immediate solution is provisional deputization of the traffic enforcers subject to the compliance to MMDA’s requirements and qualifications,” he added.

Each LGU will submit a list of traffic enforcers authorized to issue citation tickets to be granted provisional deputization until December 31, 2024.

When deputized, local traffic enforcers will wear identification cards with “DEPUTIZED BY THE MMDA” markings to show motorists their authorization to enforce traffic rules and regulations, MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora noted.

“If traffic enforcers do not enforce the law, we will see violations everywhere, which we want to prevent from happening,” he explained.

Reiterating that the SC decision is not yet final and executory, Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III stated the MMC would make the necessary preparations and adjustments during the period of transition as the NCR traffic enforcers undergo the said provisional deputization.

As for Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon, he commented that they have also discussed the expansion of the Metro Manila Traffic Code and the inclusion of more traffic violations under the Single Ticketing System.

Further, Biazon said they are also looking at the uniformity of traffic enforcers’ qualifications.

Photos from MMDA Facebook page

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