MMDA chief open to new traffic regulatory body

MANILA, Philippines –  The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is open to the idea of creating a separate body to regulate and oversee the transport and traffic systems in Metro Manila, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday.

He, however, added that the creation of a separate body to handle the transport and traffic systems in the metropolis needs an amendment of the MMDA’s charter.

According to Tolentino, unless the charter is amended, the MMDA has the authority to supervise the traffic and transport system in Metro Manila as stated under Republic Act 7924, the MMDA charter.

RA 7924 gives the MMDA the power to install and administer a single ticketing system, fix, impose, and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations.

Earlier, Taguig Rep. Freddie Tiñga, San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito and Navotas City Rep. Tobias Tiangco proposed the creation of a Metro Manila Transit Authority to oversee the operations of all public transport including buses in Metro Manila. All three have served as city mayors.

The three congressmen said it was time to have a body that will solely deal with franchises, management of routes and traffic operations of public utility vehicles, particularly buses, in Metro Manila.

Under the current setup, these functions are done by the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the MMDA.

Meanwhile, Tolentino also said that if a separate transport and traffic body is created, the MMDA should still play an important role in urban planning and in assisting the new body.