LGUs can still issue citation tickets until SC ruling becomes final: MMDA

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TRAFFIC enforcers of local government units in Metro Manila can still apprehend erring motorists and issue their citation tickets since the Supreme Court ruling ordering LGUs to stop issuing their traffic violation receipts and confiscating driver’s licenses is not yet final and executory, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday.

“To all motorists, if you are accosted by local traffic enforcers, do not argue with them by saying they have no more authority to apprehend and issue traffic citation tickets because the decision is not yet final and executory,” MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said in a press briefing.

Artes said the SC decision is favorable to the MMDA as it recognizes the agency’s powers to regulate traffic and pass legislation.

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“What is important is the recognition that the MMDA, through the Metro Manila Council, has the power to pass resolutions regarding traffic. In effect, the decision reversed an earlier decision saying that the MMDA has no legislative powers. The Court’s decision held that the agency has that power insofar as traffic regulations are concerned,” he added.

The SC has ordered LGUs in Metro Manila to stop issuing their traffic violation receipts and confiscating the driver’s licenses of erring motorists and instead comply with the single ticketing system of the MMDA, which has called for the issuance of a unified ordinance violation receipt.

The High Court held that the local ordinances, totaling 15, are invalid for violation of Republic Act No. 7924 or the MMDA Law which gives the agency the exclusive power to come up with policies concerning traffic in the metropolis and to coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic.

Section 5 of the law mandates the MMDA to “install and administer single ticketing system and confiscate and suspend or revoke driver’s licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations.”

Artes said he would convene the members of the Metro Manila Council to discuss the implications of the SC decision and explore the options available.

The MMC, whose members are the 17 Metro mayors, is the policy-making body of the MMDA.

“We have to study the implications of the SC decision not only for the individual respondents but its impact to traffic in Metro Manila,” Artes said.

He said the MMDA is preparing should the SC decision become final and executory, especially since the agency lacks the manpower to manage traffic all over the metropolis.

“We need the local traffic enforcers, especially on inner roads,” he added.

The MMDA has only over 2, 000 traffic enforcers deployed all over major roadways in Metro Manila.

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