Mayors approve traffic violation fine increase

The Metro Mayors Council executive committee has approved the proposal of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to raise the minimum fine for traffic violations from P150 to P500.

MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. said over the weekend that the plan is up for final approval by the rest of the members of the Council in their upcoming regular meeting.

"The mayors have expressed their support for the proposal as a solution to the problem of traffic and lack of discipline of many drivers," Abalos said.

Abalos directed MMDA-Traffic Operations Center executive director Ernesto Camarillo to come up with a model ordinance from which the city and municipal councils would pattern their respective ordinances.

Because the MMDA has no legislative powers, it is necessary for the city and municipal councils to adopt the ordinances and resolutions of the MMDA for them to take effect.

The proposed hike in fines has brought several complaints particularly from the public utility transport groups.

Led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytors Nationwide (PISTON) and the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) representing the public utility jeeps and public utility buses, the groups argued that the fines would severely affect the livelihood of their members.

Abalos reiterated the necessity of the fines as a way to instill discipline among the drivers. He added that the increase also addresses the adjustments in the economic conditions since the fines were first implemented.

According to Abalos, when the P150 minimum fine was first introduced, the minimum wage was only a fraction of the present rate. "The fine is now too small and the (apprehended) drivers are getting off too easily," Abalos said.

Earlier, Abalos announced that the MMDA would start to recommend the revocation of licenses of drivers who incur three violations. After revocation, the licenses can only be renewed after one year.

Abalos stressed that he would not allow the roads of Metro Manila to become chaotic with the proliferation of undisciplined drivers.

Abalos explained that the intention is to instill discipline in motorists, pedestrians and vendors. He pointed out that they are not cowed by apprehensions for such violations as jaywalking and obstruction because they easily get off by paying the minimal fines.

The MMDA has also intensified its campaign against jaywalking and littering. Commuters in particular are the targets of the campaign which would be implemented in all of the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila.