The Metro Manila Development Authority will impose a stricter policy against tow-truck operators in a bid to stop extortion and other illegal practices involving towing firms victimizing motorists along major thoroughfares.
The move came on the heels of the alleged extortion attempt of two towing personnel in Quezon City last week.
Apart from the usual documentary requirements, tow truck operators are now required to have their personnel undergo mandatory drug test, seminar, and diagnostic examination. A smoke emission test would likewise be conducted on all tow trucks.
MMDA chairman Emerson Carlos said these procedures are prerequisites for accreditation and would ensure that only qualified and decent people will be allowed to operate tow trucks in the metropolis.
“We need to cleanse the ranks of tow truck operators. Those isolated unscrupulous incidents are hurting the image of MMDA, since we are the one issuing the accreditations,” he said.
In June last year, 54 towing personnel had tested positive for drugs, while 24 were also found out to be using drugs last January.
Carlos said those towing personnel found to be using illegal drugs were immediately terminated by their respective companies and were put on blacklist and are now banned from entering the MMDA impounding area.
He urged motorists to bring up to MMDA any illegal acts committed on the road either by agency personnel or employees of private towing companies.
“The public can call our hotline 136 for any complaints or clarifications concerning these towing companies. Just provide us the necessary information and we will deal with them accordingly,” Carlos stressed. “Vehicles should only be towed if they are left unattended for five minutes.”
Carlos said motorists should also list down the details of the towing personnel such as the plate number of the truck, the place, and date they were towed or take pictures as evidence if they want to contest.
Last week, the MMDA suspended the accreditation of Arcson Towing Services following the complaint of Kristen Ann Uy Baron who claimed that two men took the keys of her car because it was illegally parked at Savemore Broadway in Quezon City last Tuesday.
Baron said the two men asked P4,000 from her in exchange of being impounded at Ultra in Pasig but she refused.
For his part, MMDA traffic discipline head Cris Saruca reminded operators that towing personnel are not allowed to drive the violator’s vehicle. He said towing personnel should issue traffic violation tickets if they found that the vehicle’s engine is on and tow it if the vehicle is left unattended for five minutes.
At present, there are 30 accredited towing firms while more than 100 tow trucks operating in the metropolis.