Metro traffic enforcers in full force as schools open Monday

MANILA, Philippines—Traffic enforcers of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are joining the students in going back to school—and their school zones—starting on Monday for the “Balik Eskwela” program.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said that the agency’s traffic enforcers would be on duty as early as 5:30 a.m. starting Monday until the next two weeks to meet the staggered opening of classes on June 6, 13 and 15 among different schools.

Tolentino identified the university belt along Manila and Katipunan Road and Cubao in Quezon City as the “choke points” where there would be frequent stopovers to drop and fetch students.

“What we ask is for students, parents, commuters, and school services to not prolong their stay on the roads. We understand that some parents and taga-hatid have the first day excitement and jitters for their kids, but hopefully they won’t contribute to traffic,” said Tolentino in his weekly radio program with dzBB.

He also added that vehicles in school zones identified as sidewalk obstructions along 8 national roads would be towed and impounded by MMDA tow trucks or 14 accredited tow service companies allowed by MMDA.

He warned motorists that some unauthorized tow service trucks—popularly described as colorum—might take advantage of the situation for undue profit.

Motorists are required to pay P1,200 for the tow service cost for the first four kilometers and P200 for every succeeding kilometer going to impounding area.

The MMDA chief reminded motorists that only MMDA traffic enforcers with their blue tow trucks and their accredited counterparts would be allowed to issue the order. The MMDA accreditation number and plate number shall be permanently painted on both sides, front and back bumpers of the tow truck, while an authenticated copy of the valid accreditation certificates issued by the MMDA shall be kept in the towing vehicles and must be presented whenever required.

“We have received reports before that some tow service trucks would even have their own impound areas. If there are no official MMDA tickets issued, chances are the tow truck must be colorum,” he said.

“If you’re not sending your kids to schools, avoid the school zones for a week; parents should send their children to school early; and bus operators should check their number coding,” advised Tolentino.