House panel OKs bills to improve traffic rules enforcement

MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on Metro Manila development chaired by Manila Rep. Manuel Luis Lopez approved on Wednesday two measures seeking to improve the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations in the country.

In a joint meeting with the committee on transportation chaired by Samar Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento, the panel approved House Bill No. 5656 filed by Bulacan Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado, which would require the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to implement a system whereby erring motorists are notified of their violations through text, email, Facebook Messenger or Viber message, to be followed by written summons.

Also approved was HB 9368 by Senior Deputy Speaker Doy Leachon, seeking to regulate the no physical contact apprehension policy in the implementation of traffic laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Lopez said both bills seek to improve and create a more effective way of implementing traffic-related rules and regulations. He noted that there are different apprehension and ticketing methods or systems currently in place.

Lopez said the two measures could be the starting point of a uniformed, synchronized and effective traffic management and enforcement system in the country.