LTO grants Mandaue traffic unit deputization order

CEBU, Philippines — Drivers passing through Mandaue City should brace for stricter enforcement of traffic rules starting next month as the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) has been granted a deputization order by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

TEAM Department Head Hyll Retuya told reporters yesterday that he is pleased with this order, as it is a significant step toward strengthening the law enforcement capabilities of the traffic unit.

 Nalipay ko g dako kay it is a step nga ma strengthen gyud nako ang law enforcement sa amoa, diri sa Mandaue kay usa ni sa pamaagi namo nga ma compel gyud namo ang katong traffic violators,  said Retuya.

Retuya said that at least 15 to 20 personnel from TEAM will be endorsed and will undergo two to three days of training under the LTO.

He emphasized that those he has endorsed are dedicated to their work as traffic personnel, whether they hold a job-order or a regular position.

The TEAM head said that since most of their enforcers are new to deputization, they will indeed undergo training starting next week.

Once deputized, these enforcers will be authorized to confiscate driver s licenses and issue Temporary Operator s Permits (TOP) to traffic violators, said Retuya.

Retuya explained that only LTO agents and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel are authorized to issue a TOP, while traffic enforcers are limited to issuing traffic citation ticket (TCT).

With the new memorandum allowing the deputization of traffic enforcers from local government units, they are now authorized to do the same.

 Mas makulbaan sila g TOP kay confiscation man na of driver s license. Then amoa citation ra baya. Kini tingale mas naa ni siya'y ngipon as compared sa amoa,  said Retuya.

The TEAM department head added that through deputization, it will address unresolved traffic violations, ensuring that violators can now be held accountable and to settle their fines.

 Kung naa man gud ni nga gikan sa LTO naa gyud siya'y ngipon ba,  said Retuya.

Retuya revealed that the TEAM has a lot of TCTs that are often ignored by violators, especially when there is no impoundment involved.

 Hopefully, makahatag ni og warning ba,  said Retuya.

He said that through deputization, they will be able to trace drivers who have violated traffic rules and find a mechanism to hold them accountable.

Retuya warned drivers, especially those who frequently violate traffic rules, that the penalties for violations will be higher.

 Aside from the fact nga ang kahadlokan ana is maimbargo ang lisensya, ang iyaha man sad gud corresponding penalties is dako gyud siya compared sa LGU nga ordinance,  he said.

He cited an example that if a driver is caught by a traffic enforcer under TEAM for having an expired registration, the enforcer will issue a TCT, and the driver will have to pay a fine set by the City, which is around P1,000.

Meanwhile, if the traffic enforcer issues a TOP and will confiscate the driver s license because they are deputized by the LTO, the penalty for an expired registration ranges from P10,000 to P12,000.

However, Retuya clarified that deputized TEAM enforcers are not allowed to issue both a TCT and a TOP. They must choose only one.

Retuya said that the decision will depend on the driver's violation.

He said that for Mandaue City, those who will be issued a TOP are habitual offenders, reckless drivers, and those caught overloading, especially Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers.

Retuya said that once the training for the traffic enforcers is completed, the implementation will begin in next month.

He will deploy the enforcers to critical areas in the city, particularly those prone to reckless driving and overloading. (CEBU NEWS)