The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will outsource to manpower agencies the employment of around 500 traffic enforcers to augment its workforce.
MMDA general manager Tim Orbos said the agency was already spreading its work force thin just to meet the requirements for field personnel on major roads in Metro Manila.
At around 2,300, the current number of personnel deployed is less than half the ideal 5,000 to manage traffic flow on major thoroughfares.
Orbos said the deputized traffic force multipliers would undergo training and would be supervised by senior enforcers.
He said he hoped that the outsourced manpower would pose a challenge to the agency’s organic personnel to perform well with integrity or risk losing their job.
The MMDA has also sought the help of various volunteer groups to help direct traffic and report violators through the no-contact apprehension.
Fire volunteer groups have committed 300 personnel for deployment on Fridays and during weekends. They will be working under the supervision of MMDA at no cost to the agency.
Various organizations of motorcycle riders have also agreed to police their ranks following consultations with the MMDA late last year. Orbos said the motorcycle rider volunteers would be deployed within the first quarter of the year.
Orbos said the MMDA was also planning to seek assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines for operations involving high security risks, such as clearing of illegal vendors.