Makati cops to arrest MMDA enforcers

Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay authorized members of the Makati Police Department (MPD) and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) yesterday to arrest all Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers if they apprehend erring motorists in the city.

He said MMDA enforcers do not have the authority to arrest drivers and implement traffic laws in the country’s financial capital since they are not deputized by the city government.

"In the case of Makati, traffic laws are contained under the Makati Traffic Code approved by the Makati City Council," he explained. "Unless MMDA enforcers are deputized by the city government, they cannot apprehend motorists in Makati City."

The mayor said his decision to authorize local policemen and DPS personnel to arrest the agency’s traffic aides is based on a Dec. 5, 2005 Supreme Court ruling.

He stressed that the MMDA, based to the decision, has no police powers and can only enforce ordinances approved by city or municipal councils and other legitimate sources. 

Binay said DPS traffic enforcers and MPD elements have been tasked to man not only city roads, but also national roads within Makati City and implement the Makati Traffic Code and have been authorized to issue Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVRs). – Michael Punongbayan