'MMDA must abide by LGU ordinances'

MANILA, Philippines - A Makati City official reminded the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday that it does not have the authority to issue traffic citation tickets without the proper ordinances approved by the city and municipal councils.

“The MMDA is a coordinating agency and not a legislative body. They must abide by the laws of the different localities and must be reminded of its limitations,” Makati public safety director Hermenegildo San Miguel said.

He said MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando was not fully informed when he cited a legal opinion penned by then Justice Secretary Simeon Datumanong that purportedly guaranteed the MMDA’s authority to issue traffic violation receipts, in reaction to an order from the Manila City government banning the agency’s enforcers from issuing TVRs in the city.

San Miguel cited the provisions in the Local Government Code delegating traffic management to mayors and a Supreme Court (SC) decision on the case of MMDA vs. Bel-Air.

In its decision, the SC held that the MMDA is not a political government unit and has no power to approve ordinances and impose penalties.

“With all due respect, the opinion of the justice secretary cannot supersede the ruling of the Supreme Court,” San Miguel said.

San Miguel also belied Fernando’s claim that Manila was the only local government unit in Metro Manila where the MMDA is not allowed to issue traffic citation tickets. He said Makati City also does not allow the MMDA to issue its TVRs unless its enforcers are deputized by the city government. – Rhodina Villanueva