Lim bans MMDA enforcers in Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim told traffic aides of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday not to issue traffic citation tickets in the city.

In a statement, city legal chief Renato de la Cruz said Lim has ordered that fines be set at a uniform rate of P300 for motorists caught violating traffic rules in Manila.

Under the local government code, mayors exercise police powers, including traffic regulation, in their respective cities or towns. The city government has designated the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) headed by Maria Norisa Villanueva as the official traffic force.

But Lim repeatedly voiced his desire to return the traffic function to the Manila Traffic Police division, De la Cruz stated.

De la Cruz said the MMDA traffic aides hand out traffic citation tickets (TCTs) and charge violators at least P500, while the city government charges only P300.

Lim said the high fines charged by MMDA “would only lead to graft and corruption.” De la Cruz said MMDA enforcers handing out tickets would decrease the revenues due to the city government from traffic fines.

“They can arrest but they can not issue TCTs. If they want they can use our ordinance violation receipts,” De la Cruz stressed.   – Sandy Araneta