Local Traffic Enforcers Can Still Apprehend Traffic Violators-Artes
Motorists are warned against prematurely rejoicing because the Supreme
Court has ruled that only the MMDA can enforce traffic rules and regulation
in Metro Manila.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the Supreme Court decision is not
yet final and executory.
Artes said the SC decision acknowledged MMDA's power to pass resolutions
regarding traffic.
On its website, the Supreme Court said high the Metro Manila Traffic Code,
which encompasses the MMDA's single ticketing system or STS , prevails over
the traffic ordinances of local governments.
The STS was established through the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 and
provides for a system of interconnectivity among government agencies
involved in transport and traffic management in the metropolis with
harmonized fines and penalties.
It's funny to some that the Supreme Court had to affirm something that was
already agreed up by the MMDA and the Metro Manila Council-a single
ticketing system for traffic violations. That in essence is what will
happen when LGU enforcers are deputized to apprehend and issue traffic
citation tickets.