Is MMDA trying to supersede R.A. 4136 with 60 km/h speed limit?

Back in 2019, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued a regulation on a 60 km/h speed limit in Metro Manila. This meant that all vehicles traveling on both Circumferential Roads and Radial Roads in the metro have to abide by this speed limit.

Roads included under the regulation include circumferential roads such as Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, EDSA, C.P. Garcia Avenue, and Southeast Metro Manila Expressway. Meanwhile, radial roads like Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Magallanes portion of South Luzon Expressway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Boulevard, Magsaysay Boulevard/Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, and Marcos Highway are also bound by the new 60 km/h speed limit.

Just recently, several motorists were apprehended by the MMDA along Roxas Boulevard after they went over the speed limit. This has resulted in drivers being slapped with a PHP 1,000 fine. However, motorists complained that there are no signages along the boulevard about the 60 km/h speed limit.

The MMDA reiterated that despite not having any road sign regarding the speed limit along Roxas Boulevard, speed limits will be strictly enforced along the said roads. But there's another problem with regards to MMDA's speed limit regulation, Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

Under R.A. 4136 which was passed way back in June 1964, provincial cities or towns, as well as government units are prohibited from enacting ordinances or resolutions that would enforce the speed limits set by the law.

Another issue is that RA. 4136 states that the speed limit on streets or boulevards “with no blind corners” are rated at 40 km/h for passenger vehicles and motorcycles. On the other hand, trucks and buses are limited to 30 km/h while traveling along boulevards. City and municipal roads, meanwhile, are limited to 30 km/h for all types of vehicles. There's even a 20 km/h speed limit for roads with heavy foot traffic or intersections. Last but not least, open country roads have speed limits between 50 km/h and 80 km/h depending on the type of vehicle.

But with MMDA Regulation No. 19-001 already in place, which one should motorists follow? Based on what the MMDA is currently doing, it seems they want to supersede R.A. 4136 with their new regulation.

With the No-Contact Apprehension (NCAP) system suspended by the Supreme Court (SC), the MMDA along with other LGUs has started to roll out more enforcers to manage traffic along city roads.

Do you think the MMDA is superseding R.A. 4136? Let us know in the comments below.