MMDA chairman wants stiffer fines for jaywalkers

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino on Sunday proposed an increase in fines for jaywalkers, saying the current penalty seemed not enough to deter undisciplined pedestrians.

In a radio interview, Tolentino noted that despite the huge amount of taxpayers’ money that had gone into the construction of footbridges, people continued to cross busy streets where they are not supposed to.

“What we want is to increase the penalty for jaywalking, and I will propose this to the Metro Manila Council when we meet on Tuesday,” the MMDA chairman said.

MMDA Traffic Engineering Center chief Noemi Recio appealed to the public to use the footbridges and pedestrian lanes, instead of crossing “unmarked and dangerous” portions of the road.

Recio said 106 footbridges had been built around Metro Manila. Of the 106 structures, 76 were constructed by the MMDA, while the rest were built by the local government units.

Tolentino said the MMDA would intensify its anti-jaywalking campaign with the resumption of classes next month.

Passed in 1995, the anti-jaywalking ordinance currently imposed by MMDA traffic enforcers slaps violators with a P150 fine, to be paid within seven days, and requires them to attend a seminar and render community service of not more than one day.

Failure to pay the fines could send the violator to a maximum of three days in jail.

Tolentino also said he would suggest that the 17 local government units making up Metro Manila craft anti-jaywalking ordinances following a common schedule of penalties.—Miko Morelos