CHAIRMAN Emerson Carlos of the Metro Manila Development Authority wants his agency to set up roadside courts to address complaints of motorists victimized by erring traffic enforcers.
The program is one of the topics to be discussed next month by the MMDA with representatives of the Technical Working Group composed of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Land Transportation Office, Police Highway Patrol Group and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The MMDA will also coordinate with 17 Metro Manila mayors or members of the Metro Manila Council—the agency’s policy-making body—if there is a need to come up with a resolution on the project.
“We are considering this project. We have to discuss this in the next meeting,” said Carlos in a press briefing.
The project is the agency’s answer to the numerous cases and complaints of motorists who were caught violating traffic rules but end up being the victims of extortion.
The MMDA identified the five areas of concern namely — Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, Circumferential Road-5, Quirino Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue and Roxas Boulevard.
Under the program, the MMDA proposed that the complainant can visit the roadside court even during 12 midnight where he or she will be assisted by the receiving clerk and hearing officer.
If there is evidence, the roadside court presiding officer then will decide on the complaint.
The traffic enforcers involved in the case can file his appeal before the special jury group composed of city bus operators, automobile association, members of the academe and church representatives that the agency will also create.
The appeal will be made within the period of 15 days but the justice on the part of the victim will be made on the day the complaint was filed.
The enforcers can also file a complaint against motorists who will try to bribe them.
This is the first time that a government agency in the Philippines would have a roadside court that would act immediately regarding road activities involving erring traffic enforcers.
The MMDA proposed the project on the heels of several reports about traffic enforcers involved in extortion. It said illegal street activities will not be tolerated among the agency’s personnel.
The MMDA encouraged the public to use video cameras to record and document perceived illegal or unlawful activities by MMDA employees to “help attain a disciplined society, and also for evidentiary purposes.”
It urged the public to use the agency’s website aimed at fostering transparency and active civic participation in finding solutions to various metro-wide concerns.