Just the other day, the Supreme Court published its decision to prohibit local government units (LGUs) from issuing their own traffic violation tickets and confiscating the driver’s licenses of violators. Instead, it mandated the use of the single ticketing system, with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) having “exclusive authority to enforce traffic laws, rules, and regulations.”
But the MMDA is now saying the Court’s decision is “not final and executory,” and LGU traffic enforcers may still continue issuing their own ordinance violation receipts (OVRs).
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“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 final and executory,” said MMDA acting chairman Atty. Romando Artes.
Artes cited the number coding scheme as an example of how the Court’s decision may have an implication on both the enforcement of traffic rules and the traffic situation in Metro Manila. We all know that number coding rules vary per city based on the local traffic ordinance governing a specific jurisdiction, and LGUs whose rules differ from that of the MMDA currently enforce their own systems via their designated traffic officials.
“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.
Artes added that the MMDA currently doesn’t have enough manpower to deploy throughout the capital region, and local traffic enforcers are needed “especially on inner roads.” According to the Supreme Court, LGU traffic enforcers may apprehend violators if they have been duly deputized by the MMDA, but they are required to use the single ticketing system.
Under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, the single ticketing system establishes harmonized fines and penalties for 23 traffic violations. It has been rolled in 15 LGUs in Metro Manila.
Artes said that LGUs may still file a motion for reconsideration within 15 days of the release of the Supreme Court’s decision, but should the ruling become final and executory, the MMDA will prepare for its implementation: “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.”
