THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday expressed support for the bill that seeks to institutionalize a single ticketing system for traffic violations in the National Capital Region (NCR). In a position paper submitted last month, MMDA said it “staunchly” supports House Bill (HB) 1021, or the Single Ticketing System Act, but noted ambiguities in the proposed law. “It is not clear in the proposed bill whether it only refers to the uniformity of the traffic ticket to be issued, or if it includes also the procedure of apprehension and adjudication of contests/protest,” the MMDA said. The agency gave recommendations to improve the measure, such as the harmonization of local ordinances regarding traffic penalties and apprehension procedures. The NCR is composed of 16 cities and one municipality. MMDA also recommended a clear provision on the sharing of fines collected between the agency and the local governments. It also called for clarification on the rule for confiscating a driver’s license in cases of minor traffic offenses. HB 1021, authored by Quezon City Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo, seeks to “rationalize and streamline the best practice in the area of issuing violation tickets or receipts related to traffic laws and regulations” to avoid confusion or jurisdictional conflicts among traffic enforcers. The bill is pending deliberation before the House committee on Metro Manila development. — Genshen L. Espedido

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR