MMDA says SC decision vs LGUs issuing tickets not executory
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Local Government Units (LGUs) cannot issue their own traffic violation tickets or Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVRs) to erring motorists and instead follow the Single Ticketing System (STS) of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
“All told, the Court thus declares as invalid the common provision in the said traffic codes or ordinances of the LGUs in Metro Manila empowering each of them to issue OVRs to erring drivers and motorists. The other provisions of the traffic codes or ordinances remain valid and unaffected by this Decision,” said the SC.
The MMDA issued a statement today saying the SC ruling is not final and executory.
MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, in a press conference said traffic enforcers of the Metro Manila LGUs may continue apprehending erring drivers and issue 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,” said Artes.
(To our fellow motorists, if you are apprehended by local traffic enforcers, don’t argue with them and tell them that they are no longer allowed to apprehend motorists and issue tickets because this is not final and executory.)
According to Artes, the SC decision is favorable to the MMDA as it recognizes the 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. In effect, it overturned an earlier decision that the agency has no legislative powers. The SC said in this decision that the MMDA has the authority in so far as traffic regulations are concerned,” added Artes.
The MMDA chief said he will convene the members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) 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,” said Artes.
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 has 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,” said Artes.
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, Artes said criteria must be set to ensure that enforcers are qualified and the MMDA will delegate the authority to them.
