During the Metro Manila Council (MMC) session at the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) office in Pasig City, mayors across Metro Manila authorised the deployment of the single ticketing system.
The mayors established the Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) of 2023, which enables interconnectivity among government entities involved in transportation and traffic management in the metropolis with standardised fines and punishments.
According to MMDA acting chair Romando Artes in a news release, the unified ticketing system will be convenient for captured motorists because they can pay for their traffic-related offences anywhere, regardless of the city where they were detained. The standardised fines and penalties will also be recommended for implementation by the Land Transportation Office and local governments.
“This is a historic time for all of us because Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will greatly benefit our motorists after more than twenty years,” he remarked. “The single ticketing system would assist in eliminating confusion among our drivers, as would the option to pay their fines electronically. During an arrest, the driver’s licence will not be confiscated.”
The MMTC also has provisions for interconnectivity with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). During the discussion, it was also agreed that the MMDA would give monies to acquire the hardware and information technology requirements needed for the LGU’s integration with the LTMS to be implemented seamlessly and simultaneously.
According to MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system will unify existing national and local traffic rules to achieve effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila. Aside from that, the LGUs will adopt measures establishing standardised sanctions for identified common traffic violations and a separate ordinance for traffic-related offences not covered by the traffic code.
Its acceptance and adoption will also address various apprehension methods; payment of penalties; redemption of licences and plates; and uncoordinated application of traffic regulations, which results in uncertainty for the driving public, loss of money, and productive hours. Francis Zamora, President of the MMC and Mayor of San Juan City, stated that the single ticketing system would go into force in the first quarter of 2023.
“To incorporate the single ticketing system, the Metro Manila LGUs (local government units) will have to enact their ordinances adopting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15,” he said.
The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which would serve as the system’s framework, lists the following as the most common traffic infringement penalties that will be administered equally in all Metro Manila local government units: Disregarding traffic signs, Illegal parking (attended and unattended), Number coding UVVRP, Truck ban, Light truck ban, Reckless Driving, Unregistered motor vehicle, Driving without license, Tricycle ban, Obstruction, Dress code for motorcycle, Overloading, Defective motorcycle accessories, Unauthorised modification, Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver), Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones, Illegal counterflow, Over speeding.
Special Laws:
Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act, Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, Anti-Distracted Driving Act, Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act
Before this, the Philippines National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) strengthened its digital transformation service with the SAFE NCRPO APP Alert to encourage a more effective and rapid approach to reporting a crime.
The smartphone application can be utilised with a finger touch to quickly communicate an alert to the nearest police officers patrolling in their jurisdiction. The app connects to an alert service controlled by the NCRPO’s Tactical Operation Centres (TOCs). The programme will deliver alerts via a short messaging system (SMS) if no mobile network coverage is identified.
On the same occasion, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. remarked that using the app would help the NCRPO improve its response, mainly because criminals had also adopted the technology.
