The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) eyes either August or September to start using body cameras for traffic enforcers assigned along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region.
This after the agency gained stakeholders’ all-out support on the use of the said device for its traffic management and enforcement operations to help promote transparency in carrying out apprehensions of traffic violators.
Last Wednesday, MMDA officials led by chairman Romando Artes presented the draft guidelines on the use of body cameras for traffic enforcers, including the procedures when flagging down motorists.
Among those present in the meeting were 1-Rider party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita; members and leaders of various public transport groups, motorcycle riders’ associations, and representatives of automobile associations; the Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila local government units, and concerned government agencies.
The presentation covered details on what traffic enforcers should say when motorists object to being recorded and invoke their rights to privacy.
“We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation,” Artes said.
He said the stakeholders’ comments will be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA, composed of the 17 Metro Manila mayors.
Bosita commended Artes for good leadership, citing that traffic enforcers’ use of body cameras will provide effective traffic enforcement operations.
“We support the initiative made by chairman Artes because we see this project is a proof of the sincerity of his leadership in public service,” he said.
Transport groups and other stakeholders likewise threw their support to the MMDA.
Obet Martin, president of Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association, congratulated Artes’ leadership and expressed appreciation for the MMDA’s action.
Artes said the body cameras with video and audio recording feature, will protect both the traffic enforcers and the motorists being apprehended.
“The use of body-worn cameras will prevent traffic enforcers from taking bribes and motorists offering bribes since the Metrobase will record the apprehension process. The footage may serve as evidence,” Artes said.
Artes said the cameras, designed to capture and record the entire conduct of the operation, are similar to gadgets being used in the United Kingdom. The gadgets have six to eight hours of battery life.
Initially, 120 body cameras will be distributed to the traffic enforcers who are authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators.
MMDA officials admitted that some traffic enforcers were involved in extortion and bribery cases, and some motorists apprehended for violating traffic rules offered money to the enforcers to avoid the penalties and further inconveniences.
“Motorists can take videos of traffic enforcers engaged in unlawful activities, why not traffic enforcers? Body cameras can serve as proof or evidence on what really happened between a traffic enforcer and a motorists being apprehended for a traffic violation,” they said.