TO resolve the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) conflict with mayors on the ticketing of traffic violators, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando will meet with Metro Manila mayors this week and discuss the implementation of the single traffic-ticketing system commonly known as the Metro Traffic Ticketing (MTT).

“We in the MMDA hope that through this dialogue we will finally be able to convince those who remain opposed to the scheme,” Fernando said.

He will discuss with the mayors who comprise the Metro Manila Council the policymaking body of the MMDA, in the March 28 meeting the legality and viability of Executive Order 712 issued by President Arroyo earlier this month in response to appeals from various transport groups.

On the other hand, Metro Manila mayors and representatives of transport groups will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the Mandaluyong City Hall to discuss their collective position on EO 712 and the autonomy of local governments.

Fernando insisted on the legality of EO 712 and the agency’s mandate to enforce the single ticketing system for traffic violators in the metropolis.

He said the authority of the MMDA to enforce the scheme is provided for by Republic Act 7924 that created the MMDA, particularly in Section 5, which he said provides that the agency shall have the authority to “install and administer a single ticketing system, fix, impose and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or nonmoving in nature, and confiscate and suspend or revoke driver’s licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations.”

He said that contrary to the assertion of those who oppose the scheme, the MMDA law superseded the Local Government Code since it was signed in 1995 while the latter was enacted in 1991.

“With this, I think there is no more reason for the mayors to oppose the plan,” he said, adding that the agency is the sole body tasked to deputize traffic enforcers in Metro Manila to implement the scheme.

At the same time, Fernando said he respects the rights of the local governments opposed to the scheme to question its legality before the court, but added that the MMDA would pursue implementation of EO 712.

“They have the right and they can question it in the court, but in the meantime, they should heed a lawful directive,” he stressed.

Last week the MMDA chief said the new ticketing system would be in place in Metro Manila within 15 days despite continuing objections from some cities.

But eight local chief executives out of the 17 Metro Manila mayors have agreed to insist on their alleged prerogative.

This was reached on Wednesday in a meeting called by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Binay said the MMDA has “no legislative power” to enforce the single traffic-ticketing system.

Among those represented in the meeting were Makati, Pasay, Manila, San Juan, Taguig, Navotas, Muntinlupa and Mandaluyong, Binay said.

Binay said opposing mayors are prepared to file a damage suit against Fernando and the MMDA should it insist on implementing EO 712.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim did not attend but sent a representative instead, who indicated that while Lim is also opposed to the MTT, the city would lower the fines it imposes on traffic violators, Binay said.

He added that similar moves would be discussed in Makati.

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TO resolve the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) conflict with mayors on the ticketing of traffic violators, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando will meet with Metro Manila mayors this week and discuss the implementation of the single traffic-ticketing system commonly known as the Metro Traffic Ticketing (MTT).

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