MMDA sets up online payment system for traffic violation fines
Motorists can now settle their traffic violation fines online with a simple click on their smart phones.
This, after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)--in partnership with the Landbank of the Philippines and CIS Bayad Center, Inc.--launched a cashless payment system on Tuesday, July 27.
The move will automate the collection of fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, thus eliminating the need for face-to-face transactions in the time of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
“In the age of digitization, cashless payment offers convenience for the clients. With the use of mobile phones and laptops/computers, we can now pay anytime and anywhere without the need to travel. Payment is now made easier and long queues will be avoided as they don’t have to go to the MMDA or any over-the-counter payment centers to pay the fines,” MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said.
“Contactless payment means less exposure to the public and less possibility of acquiring the COVID-19 virus,” he added.
Executive Vice President Julio Climaco of Landbank's Branch Banking Sector, on the other hand, said the partnership will significantly strengthen the country’s ongoing push for greater financial digitization.
“This new collaboration proves to be relevant and timely as we all continue to adapt to the new normal. As the MMDA continues to advance initiatives to ease vehicle build-up on the road, our online payment portal will also, in a way, decongest foot traffic in MMDA offices.” Climaco said.
Meanwhile, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. President and CEO Lawrence Ferrer said, "With this cashless payment solutions, we are taking it a notch higher as we provide better service to our kababayans through online and digital channels.”
The MMDA receives an average of 2,000 traffic fine over-the-counter payments daily through SM Payment Centers, Bayad Centers, and the MMDA Redemption Center.
Successful payment transactions will be posted the following day under the cashless payment scheme. A service processing fee of P12 for Bayad Center and P15 for Landbank-based payments will be charged on top of the fines.
Clients who made an overpayment may write a refund request letter to MMDA with proof of payment or official receipt attached. The letter should be submitted to the Traffic Ticket Management Division (TTMD) for the preparation of the voucher.
Moreover, the payor needs to ensure the correct ticket number to avoid delays. In case of an invalid or incorrect ticket number, payment will be tagged as unposted and the client may contact the MMDA Redemption Center for payment correction.
Abalos said the MMDA remains open to motorists who want to contest their violations. He encouraged them to go to the agency’s Traffic Adjudication Division.
“If you think that you did not commit any violation, you could go to the MMDA office and appeal. Our adjudicators will then decide to either uphold or cancel the apprehension," he said.
Aside from Landbank and Bayad Center, clients may also pay via Bayad Center partners such as GCash, Grabpay, and Paymaya. Other payment options include credit, debit, and prepaid cards (Visa, Mastercard, and JCB).