MMDA won't yield traffic functions

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will not give up its traffic management functions despite pressure from higher ups to revoke this function.

MMDA executive director for traffic Ernesto Camarillo told reporters yesterday that the agency will reject the proposal, saying traffic management is vital to its existence.

Camarillo was reacting to proposals that the Philippine National Police reclaim traffic duties in Metro Manila as part of its reorganization.

PNP chief Deputy Director General Panfilo Lacson had welcomed calls from transport groups for the police to take over traffic management from the MMDA to eliminate alleged mulcting by its enforcers.

"We do not want this authority to be taken away. We will be crippled, we will not agree to this," Camarillo said.

Despite the objections, Camarillo admitted that there are traffic enforcers in MMDA who are not performing properly and are involved in mulcting. However, he explained that most of their enforcers are qualified as a result of their rigorous training.

The MMDA is trying to eliminate the negative image of its enforcers particularly the label attached to them as former "street sweepers."

Camarillo noted that many of the MMDA's traffic enforcers are college graduates and have been trained in every aspect of traffic management.

The MMDA is also discriminating when it comes to selecting personnel who are given authority to ticket erring motorists.

He explained that only qualified personnel are allowed to apprehend motorists while the underqualified ones are relegated to directing traffic.

The proposal has yet to move forward as the legality has to be addressed first. "We are studying the legal issues involved since the MMDA mandate is by virtue of an act of Congress," Lacson was quoted as saying.

Lacson said this move has the support of Malacañang as the President has reportedly "approved in principle" the return of traffic enforcement to the PNP.