Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said the Single-Ticketing System (STS) that will be implemented in Metro Manila can include other roads that will be recommended by each local government unit and approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC). 

Biazon was reacting to the decision of the Supreme Court which struck down provisions of traffic codes of Metro Manila LGUs and barred their traffic enforcers from issuing ordinance violation receipts (OVRs) to erring motorists and confiscating driver’s licenses unless they have been deputized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). 

(From left) Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon, Pateros Mayor Miguel Ponce III, MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora on March 12 (MMDA) 

The Supreme Court decision voided Section 124 or the “Procedures in the Issuance of Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR)” to erring motorists under the Muntinlupa City Ordinance 04-022. 

During the MMDA meeting with mayors on March 12, Biazon said they discussed the expansion of the Metro Manila Traffic Code and the inclusion of more traffic violations under the STS.

“While the SC decision clarified that it is the MMDA which has authority to adopt and enforce traffic management policies involving Metro Manila traffic, the LGUs retain control and authority over local traffic concerns,” he said. 

Biazon said LGU concerns about national roads in their jurisdiction can be tackled through the MMC.  

“But since the Metro Manila Council is composed of mayors of metro manila, the LGU concerns over national roadways within their respective jurisdictions can still be addressed through the council,” he said. 

He added, “The Single-Ticketing System was adopted by the council and it covered specific national roads around Metro Manila. This coverage can be expanded to include other roads as recommended by LGUs and approved by the council.”

MMDA said it will deputize traffic enforcers in 17 LGUs in Metro Manila that will allow them to continue issuing traffic violation receipts to erring motorists. 

Biazon said he is consulting with the city’s legal team if the Muntinlupa City government will file a motion for reconsideration aiming to reverse the Supreme Court decision.