The Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC), otherwise known as road user tax, is a fee imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) through the registration fees of vehicles and penalties for overloading. The collected funds are deposited under four (4) special trust accounts in the National Treasury. These funds are earmarked solely and used exclusively as a new source of funding to finance various government-managed projects and initiatives related to environment safety, road safety, infrastructure, and transportation development. In particular, it is used to fund projects geared towards the improvement of road networks, maintenance, and enhancement of safety measures for motorists and pedestrians, as well as advocacies like air pollution control.
Understanding where and how much of these LTO-collected payments go is crucial for transparency and accountability in the use of LTO public funds. It will also help make the MVUC payments a little easier to make when the car owners know what they are contributing for when they pay the MVUC or road user tax to the LTO.
The Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) refers to the charge also known as the road users’ tax. It is imposed by the LTO through the registration fees of vehicles and penalties for overloading to help fund the maintenance of national and provincial roads and address the air pollution caused by vehicles. The MVUC fees varies depending upon numerous factors, including vehicle type, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and year model, among others.
Where Do the Collected Payments for Motor Vehicle User Charge Go
The road funds collected from the payment of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) are integrated into the usual annual vehicle registration fees and penalties for overloading being collected by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from the road users. The collected money is remitted to the Bureau of Treasury (BTr) and placed into four different special accounts in the National Treasury.
According to Republic Act (RA) 8794, the funds collected from the MVUC are placed in the following special accounts at the National Treasury:
Special Road Support Fund (80%)
The primary purpose of the MVUC is to generate funds that can be reinvested into the improvement of road networks, maintenance, and enhancement of safety measures for motorists and pedestrians. As such, a significant portion, about eighty percent (80%) of the MVUC is allocated to the Special Road Support Fund (SRSF).
The funds collected under the Special Road Support Fund (SRSF) are designated for specific purposes: seventy percent (70%) of which is allotted for the maintenance of, and the improvement of drainage of national primary roads. The remaining thirty- percent (30%) is allocated and used for the maintenance, and improvement of drainage of national secondary roads throughout the country. This includes repairs, upgrades, and the construction of new roads to enhance connectivity and facilitate smoother traffic flow, fixing potholes, resurfacing roads, and constructing new highways. to improve the quality of roads, ensuring smoother and safer travel for the benefit of the very individuals contributing to the fund through their vehicle registrations.
Special Local Road Fund (5%)
The Special Local Road Fund (SLRF), is one of the four accounts apportioned from the MVUC for the specific use of the provincial and city governments. The allocation takes 5% of the MVUC and the apportioned fund may vary depending upon the local vehicle population and size of the road network under the respective jurisdiction of the LGU.
The funds under the SLRF are allocated for the exclusive use of LGUs for maintenance of local roads, traffic management and road safety devices as well as the following projects:
Carriageway Maintenance
Pavement Maintenance
Regravelling
Bridge and Structure Maintenance
Roadside Maintenance • Shoulder Maintenance
Drainage Maintenance
Vegetation Control
Traffic Services Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
Pavement Resurfacing
Concrete Reblocking
Seal Widening
Preventive Works
Rehabilitation, and Improvement
Emergency Reinstatement
Road Management
Road Safety
Rehabilitation
Drainage Improvement
Rehabilitation plus Improvement
Emergency Reinstatement
Professional Services and Administration
Safety Devices (Installation and Operation)
Safety Projects
Road Safety Education & Training
Road Safety Management
Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (7.5%)
Another crucial area where 7.5% of MVUC funds are allotted is environmental conservation. As vehicles contribute to air and noise pollution, the government sees it fitting to invest in projects that mitigate these environmental impacts. Funding from the MVUC Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund may be allocated to initiatives such as planting trees along highways, implementing emission reduction programs, and supporting research, developing eco-friendly transportation solutions and other initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of transportation.
Special Road Safety Fund (7.5 %)
Moreover, the remaining 7.5% of the MVUC is earmarked for road safety projects, programs, and initiatives. This includes paying for the cost of installation of adequate and efficient traffic lights and road safety devices where such traffic lights and safety devices are needed. This fund also covers campaigns to raise awareness about safe driving practices, education on traffic rules, and the implementation of measures to enhance safety and reduce road accidents, injuries, and fatalities through targeted efforts such as driver education and awareness campaigns in an effort to create a safer environment for both motorists and pedestrians, ultimately reducing the societal and economic costs associated with road accidents.
By channeling MVUC funds into these key areas, the LTO aims to create a comprehensive and sustainable transportation system that addresses both immediate challenges and long-term development goals. It’s important to note that the specific allocation of MVUC funds can vary depending on the vehicle registrations and penalties collected by the LTO. Government agencies in charge of utilizing the funds, as well as the LGUs must tailor their distribution based on the unique needs and priorities of their transportation systems. Transparency in the allocation process is crucial, and those who will use it are expected to be responsible in providing reports or updates to the public detailing how these funds are utilized.
MVUC Fund Management
The funds collected from the MVUC charges and overloading penalties may go straight to the National Treasury, but three of the four special accounts in the National Treasury for these funds are earmarked for the exclusive use of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for road maintenance, installation of adequate and efficient traffic lights and road safety devices. The fourth special fund account allocated for air pollution control is managed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The use of the funds collected under the MVUC law may be clear enough, but the law also created the Road Board and the Road Board Secretariat (RBS) to manage and utilize the special funds efficiently and prudently. With the help of the Road board and the RBS, the board decides and handles the day-to-day operation and management of the special funds within reasonable bounds.
Summary
In short, the collection and allocation of MVUC by the Land Transportation Office plays a vital role in shaping the quality, safety, and sustainability of a country’s transportation system. With these funds directed toward road infrastructure, safety programs, environmental conservation, and public transportation initiatives, the LTO, along with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), can help create a more efficient, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation landscape. Likewise, citizens are encouraged to actively engage with the information provided by transportation agencies to ensure transparency and hold authorities accountable for the responsible use of these funds.
Speed limits in school zones play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being and ensuring the safety of our most precious assets—our children. These designated areas surrounding educational institutions are designed to prioritize safety and minimize potential risks. One significant measure to enhance the safety of schoolchildren on their way to and from school is the implementation of mandatory speed limits in designated school zones.
In this guide, we delve into the significance of speed limits in school zones, exploring the rationale behind the 20kph requirement, the purpose and the impact of such regulations on ensuring the well-being of students, as well as the collective social responsibility we all share in ensuring a secure environment for students.
A “school zone speed limit” refers to a specific maximum speed at which vehicles are legally allowed to travel in areas surrounding schools. These designated zones are typically marked with special signage indicating the reduced speed limit. The purpose of implementing school zone speed limits is to enhance the safety of pedestrians, especially children, by reducing the likelihood and severity of accidents in areas with a high volume of foot traffic associated with school-related activities. In many cases, these speed limits are lower than standard road speed limits, emphasizing the importance of caution and vigilance in proximity to educational institutions.
School zones are categorized under crowded streets. Having said that, it is imperative to exercise extreme caution to protect the safety and well-being of the young members of the society. Sure, all streets may be crowded, but areas like school zones, markets, intersections, as well as those that have a lot of blind corners and stationary cars are more prone to accidents, hence, the need for reduced driving speed.
Importance of School Zone Speed Limits
School zones are critical areas where the paths of young pedestrians intersect with vehicular traffic. The vulnerability of children and the need for a safe environment necessitate specific regulations to mitigate potential risks. Speed limits in school zones are designed to reduce the speed of vehicles, providing an extra layer of protection for students and other pedestrians in these areas.
The Purpose of School Zone Speed Limits
The primary purpose of instituting speed limits in school zones is to create a controlled environment that minimizes the risk of accidents and enhances pedestrian safety. By imposing lower speed limits, authorities aim to give drivers more time to react to unexpected events, such as children crossing the road or school buses making stops.
Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
School zones are characterized by the presence of young, inexperienced pedestrians who may not fully grasp traffic rules. The primary aim of the 20kph speed limit is to ensure the safety of these vulnerable pedestrians by lowering the severity of potential accidents and the likelihood of severe injuries.
Enhancing Visibility
Lowering speed limits improves visibility, allowing drivers to spot children, pedestrians, and school staff more easily. This additional reaction time is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Reaction Time
Driving at 20kph allows for increased reaction time for both drivers and pedestrians. This additional time can be critical in avoiding accidents, particularly in situations where children may unexpectedly cross the road.
School Zone Dynamics
School zones are bustling areas with a high volume of pedestrian activity during specific hours. The 20kph speed limit is tailored to the unique dynamics of these zones, where children are present in large numbers.
Community Responsibility
By imposing a specific speed limit in school zones, authorities emphasize the shared responsibility of the community in safeguarding its youngest members. It encourages drivers to be more vigilant and considerate in these areas.
Understanding the 20kph Speed Limit
In the Philippines, the mandatory speed limit in school zones is set at 20 kilometers per hour (kph). Depending on local ordinances, however, some places have a speed limit ranging between 15kph to 30kph. The 20kph school zone limit is the standard. This lower speed limit is not arbitrary; it is carefully chosen to prioritize safety over speed. The 20kph limit allows drivers to maintain better control of their vehicles, significantly reducing the severity of potential accidents and providing more reaction time in case of unexpected events.
Impact on Accident Prevention
Reducing speed limits in school zones by the implementation of the 20kph speed limit has a direct impact on accident prevention. Studies consistently show that lower speeds significantly decrease the likelihood and severity of accidents in the event of a collision in these areas.
Reduced Stopping Distances
Lower speeds result in shorter stopping distances for vehicles. This is crucial in scenarios where unexpected events unfold, such as a child suddenly running into the street. A reduced stopping distance increases the chances of avoiding a collision.
Increased Reaction Time
Slower speeds provide drivers with increased reaction time. This is particularly important in school zones, where unpredictable movements of children and other pedestrians necessitate quick responses to avoid potential accidents.
By enforcing this limit, the Philippines aims to create a safer environment for students, instilling confidence in parents and educators alike.
Community Awareness and Education
While setting and enforcing speed limits is essential, community awareness and education play an equally crucial role in ensuring compliance and fostering a culture of safety. To enhance adherence to the 20kph speed limit, educational initiatives and public awareness campaigns are launched, informing drivers about the rationale behind the speed limit, potential consequences of violations, and the overall goal of ensuring child safety can contribute to a positive change in behavior.
The initiatives include:
Public Awareness Campaigns
Municipalities and school districts can implement public awareness campaigns to educate the community about the importance of adhering to school zone speed limits. These campaigns can utilize various channels, including social media, community events, and school newsletters.
Traffic Safety Education Programs
Integrating traffic safety education into school curricula can instill a sense of responsibility in young students. Teaching them about the dangers of speeding and the importance of adhering to traffic rules contributes to long-term behavior change.
Enforcing School Zone Speed Limits
Enforcement mechanisms are essential to ensure that speed limits in school zones are not merely guidelines but are actively adhered to by all road users.
Police Presence and Speed Cameras
Regular police presence in school zones and the use of speed cameras serve as effective deterrents. Knowing that law enforcement actively monitors these areas encourages drivers to comply with speed limits.
Community Involvement
Engaging the community in monitoring and reporting speeding incidents fosters a sense of shared responsibility. Neighborhood watch programs and community partnerships with law enforcement contribute to a safer environment.
Speeding Violations in School Zones: Consequences and Penalties
Every violation of the law carries consequences, and when it comes to disregarding speed limits in school zones, these violations fall under the category of overspeeding, resulting in the following penalties:
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Penalties
1st Offense
Penalty: P2,000
Overspeeding fine
2nd Offense
Penalty: P3,000
Driver’s license suspension for a minimum of three months
For non-professional drivers, a two-year disqualification from obtaining a new license is also imposed.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Oversight
In Metro Manila, it is important to note the presence of authorized highway patrol groups under the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) empowered to apprehend traffic violators. Specifically, for overspeeding violations:
The penalty ranges from P1,200.00 to P2,000.00, depending on the location.
The MMDA also addresses other forms of reckless driving, such as drag racing or engaging in speed contests, with corresponding penalties in place.
Understanding and adhering to these penalties not only contribute to road safety but also emphasize the importance of respecting speed limits, especially in school zones.
Technological Innovations for Enhanced Safety
Advancements in technology offer additional tools to enhance safety in school zones.
Smart Traffic Management Systems
Implementing smart traffic management systems that dynamically adjust speed limits based on real-time conditions can further optimize safety. These systems can account for factors like heavy pedestrian traffic during school dismissal times.
Connected Vehicles and Pedestrian Detection
The integration of connected vehicle technology and pedestrian detection systems can provide real-time alerts to drivers, enhancing their awareness and reducing the risk of accidents.
Challenges and Solutions
While the 20kph speed limit in school zones is a crucial safety measure, challenges persist in ensuring universal adherence and effective enforcement. The following contribute to the difficulty of implementation and compliance to school zone speed limits.
Inconsistent Enforcement
In some areas, inconsistent enforcement of speed limits poses a challenge. Strengthening law enforcement efforts and ensuring regular patrols can address this issue.
Driver Education
Many drivers may not fully understand the rationale behind school zone speed limits. Enhancing driver education programs and communication can help bridge this gap.
Insufficient Signages
In some areas in the country, there is a shortage of standardized and highly visible signage in school zones. Increasing the number and quality of school zone signage will help drivers recognize the reduced speed limits and understand the need for caution in these areas.
Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and community members.
Summary
Speed limits in school zones are not arbitrary restrictions. This is a critical component of a comprehensive strategy to protect our children and promote road safety. The combined efforts of policymakers, law enforcement, educators, and the community at large are essential to ensure that these speed limits are respected and adhered to. By recognizing the significance of school zone speed limits and actively participating in efforts to enforce and educate, we can create a safer environment for our students and contribute to the overall well-being of our communities. The reduced speed limits also serve as a preventive measure to minimize the risk of accidents and provide a buffer for reaction time in case of unexpected events, especially because the Philippines, especially the densely populated urban areas, coexist with schools, the second home of the youngest, most vulnerable pedestrians.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), just like the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), is just one of the many government offices tasked with maintaining good road conditions to ensure road safety in the Philippines.
Created by virtue of Republic Act 7924, the MMDA is best known for its role in metro-wide transport and traffic management and in the apprehension of traffic violators. The MMDA is also well known for its role in clearing side streets, albeit, a bit harshly, in order to improve the flow of traffic. Contrary to popular belief, though, these aren’t the only role that the MMDA plays. In this guide, you can learn more about MMDA as well as all the functions and the different ways that the MMDA offers its service to the Filipino people.
MMDA stands for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority—a development authority for the National Capital Region (NCR), otherwise known as Metro Manila, a special development and administrative region. It was created in 1995, upon the enactment of Republic Act 7924, “An act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining its powers and functions, providing funding therefore and for other purposes.” Its function is summed up in the charter itself, viz:
The MMDA shall perform planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila, without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.”
. . .”Sec. 2. Creation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. – – -x x x.
By tracing its legislative history to RA 7924, it is clear that the MMDA is neither a local government unit nor a public corporation. It’s chartered as a development authority created to replace the Metro Manila Authority (MMA). Unlike its predecessor, the MMDA has a purely administrative function and doesn’t have any police or legislative power. Its creation was meant to lay down policies and plan, monitor, and coordinate regulatory and supervisory plans and services with various national government agencies, people’s organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The MMDA is under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines in hopes for the efficient and expeditious delivery of basic services in the metropolitan area without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.
MMDA and Frontline Offices Mission and Vision
As a development authority, the MMDA has several frontline offices that offer the services to the people. Both the MMDA and these offices operate with the same vision to make Metro Manila a humane, world-class environment for all.
The MMDA and its frontline offices operates under the guidance of these mission and vision:
Vision
Towards a humane, world-class metropolis with a livable and workable physical environment for all.
MMDA Mission
As a global-oriented metropolis, Metropolitan Manila will evolve into a major business and transaction center in the Asia-Pacific region.
As a center of a growth polygon for Luzon Island, Metropolitan Manila will influence the creation of socio-economic opportunities in the areas beyond its political and administrative boundaries.
Frontline Offices’ Mission
Traffic Discipline Office
To provide better management services resulting from a balanced integration of traffic education, engineering and enforcement services.
Solid Waste Management Office
To promote door to door garbage collection in all LGUs of Metro Manila as a means to achieve litter-free, garbage-free streets, sidewalks, vacant lots and waterways and as a tool in advancing proper collection of recyclable materials thereby reducing the amount of solid waste that would require land filling to the final disposal facilities that MMDA assures to provide.
Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office
To prevent flooding in Metro Manila and to make all roads flood-free and passable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians at all times.
Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office
To safeguard the health and sanitation of the region, enhance ecological balance and prevent, control and abate environmental pollution. To continuously implement programs, policies and procedures to achieve public safety, especially disaster preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters.
MMDA Functions
More than its role in transport and traffic management, the MMDA also has functions in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations.
Section 5 of RA No. 7924 enumerates the “Functions and Powers of the Metro Manila Development Authority” as follows:
To formulate, coordinate, and regulate the implementation of medium and long term plans and programs within Metropolitan Manila for the following:
delivery of metro-wide services,
land use
physical development
Prepare, coordinate and regulate the implementation and government services related to medium term investment programs, sources, including fund use, packaging, and presentation of products to funding institutions metro-wide;
Undertake and manage on its own metro-wide programs and projects for the delivery of specific services under its jurisdiction subject to the approval of the Council.
To create appropriate project management offices;
Coordinate and monitor the implementation of plans, programs and projects in Metro Manila;
Identify bottlenecks and adopt solutions to problems of implementation; and
To set the policies concerning traffic in Metropolitan Manila,
To coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management specifically pertaining to enforcement, engineering and education.
To extend assistance and cooperation to traffic management programs and projects, including but not limited to, assignment of personnel, by all other government agencies and offices concerned.
To install and administer a single ticketing system,
To fix, impose and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or non-moving in nature
To confiscate and suspend or revoke driver’s licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations, notwithstanding the provisions of RA 4136 and PD 1605 to the contrary
To enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, through its traffic operation center.
To deputize members of the PNP, traffic enforcers of local government units, duly licensed security guards or members of non-governmental organizations to enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, subject to conditions and requirements.
Perform other related functions required to achieve the objectives of the MMDA, including the following:
the undertaking of delivery of basic services to the local government units when deemed necessary, subject to prior coordination with and consent of the local government unit concerned.
Institutional Linkages of the MMDA
The MMDA shall, in carrying out its functions, consult, coordinate, enter into contracts, memorandum of agreement, and other cooperative arrangements, and work closely with the following institutions:
Local Government Units (LGUs),
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) – for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDD) and public investment program
Department of Finance – to interface with the foreign assistance agencies and obtain financing support, grants, and donations for its programs and projects
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
Accredited people’s organizations (POs)
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
Private sector operating in Metro Manila
Scope of Services
The charter documents for the MMDA also details the scope of the metro-wide services it offers. These services are divided under different fields of jurisdiction, though all of them are expected to have metro-wide impact, transcend legal political boundaries, and entail huge expenditures such that it isn’t a viable service that individual local government units (LGUs) can provide.
These services shall include:
Development Planning
preparation of medium and long term development plans
the development, evaluation, and packaging of projects
investment programming
coordination of plans
monitoring of plans
program and project implementation
Transport and Traffic Management
formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
rationalizing the existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares
promotion of for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
provision for the mass transport system and the institution of a system to regulate road users
administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, including the institution of a single ticketing system
administration and implementation of all traffic engineering services
formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for proper sanitation and waste disposal
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for proper sanitation and waste disposal
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for proper sanitation and waste disposal
establishment and operation of sanitary landfill and related facilities
implementation of other alternative programs intended to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste
Flood Control and Sewerage Management
formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
Urban Renewal, Zoning and Land Use Planning and Shelter Services
formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth
expansion, rehabilitation and development of slum and blighted areas
development of shelter and housing facilities, and
provision of necessary social services.
Health and Sanitation, Urban Protection and Pollution Control
formulation, adoption and implementation of policies for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
enhancement of ecological balance
prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution
Public Safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to achieve public safety
formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to achieve public safety
To promote preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters such as conflagrations, earthquake, flood and tidal waves
coordination and mobilization of resources, and
implementation for rehabilitation and relief operations in coordination with national agencies concerned
MMDA Projects
Some of the current projects undertaken by the MMDA include:
MMDA-Sesame Workshop
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind the iconic television series, Sesame Street, have signed a three-year partnership to teach children about road safety, waste management, and public safety. The event was graced by Sesame Street characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and their friends.
MM Flood Management
The Metro Manila Flood Management Project refers to the Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan designed to reduce vulnerability to and to strengthen resilience against floods. It specifically addresses the structural measures to improve urban drainage in Metro Manila through the following set of interventions:
to modernize existing pumping stations and make improvements to appurtenant infrastructure;
construct new pumping stations to accommodate urban expansion;
increase short-term water retention capacity in the drainage areas;
reduce the volume of indiscriminately dumped solid waste into waterways; and
support community-driven resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISF) encroaching in easements for drains and waterways linked to the project pumping stations to safer in-city locations.
MMDA-The Union Project: “Intensified Enforcement of Smoke Free Environment Policy in Metropolitan Manila”
MMDA is a recipient of a grant from The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, a not-for-profit scientific organization working in the field of lung health worldwide, to ensure the enforcement of local issuances related to the reduction of tobacco use in Metro Manila. The project is managed by the Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office, with The Union Project Management Team and is designed to do the following:
disseminate information
provide education
run communication campaigns
propose advocacy
support policy development,
implement and enforce tobacco control
ensure that Smoke Free Environment policy is put into effect and sustained in the cities
Development Planning: The MRT 7 Extension Project
The MRT 7 Extension project was endorsed by the Regional Development Council for National Capital Region (RDC-NCR) Infrastructure Committee to the RDC-NCR Proper to develop and construct a 22-kilometer, six-lane asphalt road that will connect the North Luzon Expressway to Tala, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It will run in a northeast direction traversing Quezon City and part of Caloocan City and ending at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and will have fourteen (14) MRT-7 stations along the road which will be operated by the Universal LRT Corporation (ULC) under a Built-Gradual Transfer-Operate-and- Maintain Scheme.
Pahayagan ng Bayan
The Pahayagan ng Bayan is a public service announcement tool of the Agency where advertising collaterals of events, projects and activities of various national and local government units in Metro Manila as well as non-government or civic organizations are posted. These are steel pylons, measuring 20 ft. high and 6 ft. wide, strategically-placed on different areas in Metro Manila. These ad spaces are under the use, maintenance, and supervision of the Public Information Office of the MMDA.
Upon establishment, the MMDA was allotted a one billion peso (PI ,000,000,000)-budget. To date, the MMDA continues to receive the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) allocated to them.
Other source of funds for MMDA include:
Levy fines
Imposed fees and charges for various services rendered
Five percent (5%) of the total annual gross revenue of the preceding year, net of the internal revenue allotment, of each local government unit payable monthly to the MMDA by each city or municipality.
Note: In case of failure to remit the said fixed contribution, the DBM shall cause the disbursement of the same to MMDA chargeable against the IRA allotment of the city or municipality concerned, the provisions of Section 286 of RA 7160 to the contrary notwithstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the MMDA:
1. Is MMDA for Manila only?
No. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is a development authority of the Philippine government responsible for the cities and municipalities within the special administrative region of Metro Manila and not just Manila City.
The MMDA is tasked with transport and traffic management, urban renewal direction, “blighted” slum area rehabilitation, and city diversity progression. These tasks also involved the MMDA in various medium and long-term development projects together with other sectors and government offices on multiple fronts.
4. Does MMDA have police power?
No. The MMDA is not vested with police power. According to the Republic Act No. 7924 which created the MMDA, the MMDA is not to have police power, let alone legislative power, and that all its functions are administrative in nature.
5. Is MMDA deputized by LTO?
Yes. Based on LTO guidelines, active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units occupying permanent position items and whose work assignments are directly related to traffic management and control can be deputized by the LTO. That said MMDA enforcers may be deputized by the LTO, though that isn’t the only responsibility that the MMDA has.
6. What happens if you ignore MMDA?
Ever heard of the saying, “You can run but you can’t hide?” Well, the same rings true for MMDA. If you try to run away from the MMDA traffic enforcers, if you can even succeed in doing so, the MMDA will simply seek the help of the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). You will still be apprehended at the end of the day and the running may even cost you more problems than it’s worth.
7. Can MMDA take your license?
It depends. In the past, MMDA traffic enforcers could confiscate driver’s license, but with the new Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) single ticketing system (STS), traffic enforcers in Metro Manila can no longer do so, except in certain cases.
Summary
While the MMDA is best known for its role in managing traffic, it has a host of other responsibilities aside from its role in catching traffic violators or clearing side streets to improve the flow of traffic. In fact, the MMDA also helps in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations. The MMDA also coordinates services with metro-wide impact especially those that transcend local political boundaries or would entail huge expenditures if provided by the individual LGUs. However, the MMDA capacity has its limitations, including its inability to enact ordinances. It is important to note that the MMDA is authorized by law to enforce a valid law, or ordinance, or regulation arising from a real legitimate source other than itself.
Contact Information
For more information or for other concerns, you may reach out to the MMDA directly, via the following contact information:
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)—Office of the Chairman
