SC to Metro Manila LGUs: Follow single-ticketing system

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to stop issuing their own traffic violation receipts and confiscating driver’s licenses and instead comply with the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA)’s uniform or single-ticketing system.

In a decision promulgated on July 11, 2023 but released on March 4, the SC issued a permanent injunction barring LGUs from issuing ordinance violation receipts (OVRs) and confiscating licenses through their traffic enforcers, unless they were given authority by the MMDA.

The decision was penned by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguiao.

The SC has declared null and void the specific ticketing provisions in local ordinances of the Metro Manila LGUs, saying these violate the mandate of the MMDA under Republic Act 7924, which gives the agency the exclusive power to come up with policies concerning traffic in the metropolis and to coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic.

The SC directed the LGUs to comply with the Joint Metro Traffic Circular No. 12-01 issued in 2012 by the MMDA, which sets the guidelines for the implementation of the uniform ticketing system in the metropolis.

Under the system, traffic violators shall be issued a unified ordinance violation receipt that will be recognized by the MMDA, the Land Transportation Office and all LGU traffic operatives as a valid traffic citation receipt and temporary driver’s license.

As of 2021, only Mandaluyong, San Juan, Manila, Taguig, Pasig, and Parañaque have complied with the circular but San Juan, Taguig, Pasig and Parañaque are still implementing their local ordinances in the exercise of their local autonomy.

Caloocan manifested that it still follows its own traffic ordinance and that it issues its own OVR.

The case stemmed from the petition for injunction and mandamus filed in December 2006 by several jeepney drivers’ and operators’ association, assailing the Court of Appeals’ decision and resolution upholding constitutionality of the ticketing system.

Acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said he will convene the Metro Manila Council to “discuss the implications” of the SC decision. — Mark Ernest Villeza