Police group slams ticketing quota system

A police organization has denounced the existing ticketing quota system being implemented by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), saying it contributes to the worsening traffic condition in the metropolis.

Under the system, all traffic policemen and MMDA traffic enforcers are required to issue a minimum of 10 Metro traffic tickets to erring motorists each day, or a total of one booklet of MTTs per week.

In a statement, the Manila’s Finest Brotherhood Association Inc. (MFBAI) said the directive only compels traffic policemen to focus on erring motorists, neglecting their main task of traffic direction and control.

"Enforcement of traffic laws is only secondary to the duty of a traffic policeman which is management and control," said MFBAI president SPO2 Antonio Emmanuel of the Western District Traffic Management Office.

"It is common knowledge that our enforcers mostly disregard the control of the smooth flow of traffic, giving priority to the issuance of traffic violation receipts (TVRs)," Emmanuel said.

He stressed, however, that the public should not blame the enforcers since they are only trying to meet their quota as imposed by the MMDA.

"There are times you will notice enforcers issuing TVRs left and right, flagging down every motorist for the simplest traffic infraction even as traffic jams start to build up in his area. These are the enforcers who are frantically trying to meet their quota," Emmanuel said. — Nestor Etolle