MMDA will deputize NCR enforcers to issue traffic violation tickets

Following the Supreme Court’s (SC) ruling that NCR Local Government Units (LGUs) can no longer issue their own Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVRs), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has decided that it will issue a provisional deputization to the traffic enforcers of the 17 Metro Manila cities for them to continue enforcing traffic laws.

The provisional deputization is valid until December 31, 2024.

“We have agreed to give local traffic enforcers in Metro Manila provisional authority for now to prevent anarchy on the roads,” said MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes. 

The MMDA will require LGUs to submit their list of traffic enforcers who are authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators.

According to Artes, they have received reports that erring motorists argue with local traffic enforcers that they are unauthorized to issue traffic violation tickets despite MMDA’s earlier pronouncements that the SC decision is not yet final and executory, and “that local traffic enforcers can still issue citation tickets.”

“Our immediate solution is provisional deputization of the traffic enforcers subject to the compliance to MMDA’s requirements and qualifications,” he added.

MMDA to amend Single Ticketing System

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said Metro Manila LGUs were also asked to submit a list of their traffic ordinances to be included in the revision of the 2023 Metro Manila Traffic Code which will include as many traffic violations as possible.

MMDA not appealing SC ruling

Meanwhile, the MMDA said it will no longer file a motion for reconsideration to the SC decision pursuant to the advice of the agency’s counsel, the Office of the Solicitor General.

As for the NCR LGUs, MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said “it is the option of the Metro Manila LGUs to file their MR (to the SC decision) individually” as a legal remedy.

Once deputized, local traffic enforcers will wear identification cards with “DEPUTIZED BY THE MMDA” markings to show motorists their authorization to enforce traffic rules and regulations, said Zamora. 

“If traffic enforcers do not enforce the law, we will see violations everywhere, which we want to prevent from happening,” said Zamora.