MMDA seeks options to implement single-ticketing system after SC ruling

Single-ticketing system on its dry-run in 15 NCR cities

The Supreme Court ruled early this week that local government unit (LGU) traffic enforcers in the National Capital Region (NCR) cannot issue an Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) if they catch a motorist violating a traffic rule. That much is clear.

In addition, the Supreme Court stated that the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 is not aligned with the 1994 Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Law or Republic Act 7924. Especially the part that says, ‘the LGU’s ordinances remain supreme even in matters about traffic, which as discussed, is not the intent of the MMDA Law.’

However, the MMDA will not take the ruling sitting down. The agency’s acting chair Don Artes is currently working with the 17 mayors of the NCR in hopes of crafting legislation to push the complete implementation of the single-ticketing system.

“Rest assured, we will study and plan for this, particularly the deputization of local traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, which is needed for them to issue citation tickets. We will craft the guidelines,” said Artes.

If you read our article about the Supreme Court’s decision and printed a copy in case you get caught by an NCR LGU traffic enforcer, do not start an argument because you could get yourself in more trouble.

“Sa ating mga kababayang motorista, kung kayo ay huhulihin ng mga local traffic enforcers, huwag kayong makipagtalo at i-argue na bawal na silang manghuli at mag-issue ng ticket dahil hindi pa ito final and executory (To our motorists, if you are apprehended by local traffic enforcers, do not argue that their actions are illegal because the SC decision is not final and executory),” added Artes.

The MMDA continues to push for the complete implementation of the single-ticketing system because it lacks the personnel to manage traffic in the NCR. Augmenting the shortage using LGU traffic enforcers is the MMDA’s solution.

Artes wants to reassure motorists that if they find a workaround to the Supreme Court ruling, LGU traffic enforcers will undergo training and deputizing as a qualification to issue OVRs to erring motorists.