Tag: San Juan

MMC president Zamora says full implementation of NCR single-ticketing system may start within weeks

MMC president Zamora says full implementation of NCR single-ticketing system may start within weeks

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Now that the single-ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) has officially started this past Tuesday, San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) president Francis Zamora stated that the full implementation of the said system may start within weeks, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said on Tuesday, May 2, the full implementation of the single-ticketing system in the National Capital Region (NCR) may start in a couple of weeks.

“Honestly, I am looking at a couple of weeks. Hindi naman mahabang panahon po ito dahil yung integration naman po ng ibang lungsod ay ongoing na (Honestly, I am looking at a couple of weeks. This won’t take a long time because the integration of the other cities into the system is ongoing as well),” the mayor said.

The dry run of the single-ticketing system started on Tuesday, May 2, in the following pilot cities: Manila, Quezon City, Parañaque City, Muntinlupa City, Caloocan City, Valenzuela City and San Juan City.

Zamora explained that the mayors of the seven pilot cities will convene soon to discuss and assess the results of the dry-run.

The single-ticketing system aims to streamline the traffic violations and fines of the 16 cities and lone municipality comprising the National Capital Region (NCR). It also allows violators to pay their fines using e-wallets and other digital payment platforms on the spot, preventing the need for them to proceed to the city hall to pay for their violation.

Earlier, all the mayors of the 16 cities and lone municipality in the NCR signed Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which defines the 20 common traffic violations and the corresponding standardized penalties. The violations include:

– Disregarding traffic signs

– Illegal parking (attended and unattended)

– Number coding UVVRP

– Truck ban

– Light truck ban

– Reckless Driving

– Unregistered motor vehicle

– Driving without license

-Tricycle ban

– Obstruction

– Dress code for motorcycle

– Overloading

– Defective motorcycle accessories

– Unauthorized modification

– Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)

– Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones

– Illegal counterflow

– Overspeeding

The fines for these 20 violations range from P500 to P5,000.

The following special laws will also be implemented in the region:

– Seat Belts Use Act of 1999

– Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act

– Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act

– Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act

– Anti-Distracted Driving Act

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Acting Chairman Romando Artes explained that with the new system, motorists will no longer have to surrender their licenses once they committed a traffic violation.

With the single-ticketing system, the MMDA will provide handheld devices to its traffic enforcers that can offer cashless payment options to violators. These devices will be connected to the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) of the LTO to enable real-time data sharing and verification.

Aside from the handheld gadgets, body cameras will also be issued to the enforcers that are connected to the MMDA command center in real time.

The chairman stressed that with this system, corruption and other means of under the table negotiations between the enforcer and the violator will be prevented.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Did you notice any significant changes since the start of the single-ticketing system in NCR?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to inspect NCR markets to ensure sellers are following DTI-issued suggested retail prices

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to inspect NCR markets to ensure sellers are following DTI-issued suggested retail prices

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The Metro Manila Council (MMC) – a special governing body composed of incumbent mayors of cities of Metropolitan Manila – will soon be inspecting markets within the National Capital Region (NCR) to see if the suggested retail prices (SRP) are being followed by the vendors, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. No less than new MMC president and incumbent San Juan mayor Francis Zamora said so.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora vowed to inspect other markets in the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that all sellers and vendors are following the suggested retail price (SRP) issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“Iikot kami ni Chairman (Romando) Artes sa iba’t ibang market para mag-inspect as the MMC Chairman. So far, all the mayors are supportive that all markets will follow the SRP (Chairman Artes and I will visit other markets in my capacity as the MMC Chairman. So far, all the mayors are supportive that all markets will follow the SRP),” Zamora said.

Zamora made the statement following the MMC’s inspection at the Agora Market in San Juan City on Feb. 21. The inspection was spearheaded by Zamora, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes, DTI Asec. Ann Claire Cabochan, and representatives from the Bantay Presyo of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Aside from checking the SRPs, the DTI also inspected the weighing scales being used by the vendors and were pleased to know that the scales carry the precise weight.

“Ginawa natin ito dahil ang gusto natin ay siguraduhin na tama ang presyo ng bilihin dito sapagkat kawawa ang mga mamamayan natin kung mataas ang presyo ng bilihin kaysa sa SRP (We are doing this because we want to ensure that the price of commodities being sold are correct and also to protect the consumers from those who are selling their produce well above the SRP),” he added.

During their inspection at the Agora Market, two vendors were found violating the SRP bulletin of the DTI.

Zamora said vendors found selling overpriced commodities will be penalized under City Ordinance 32, Series of 2008 or the Ordinance Creating the Local Price Control Coordinating Council. First-time violators will be fined P2,000, 2nd-time offenders will be fined P3,000, 3rd-time offenders will be fined P5,000 and their permits will be revoked.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you concerned that vendors in your local markets could have been violating SRP? Does this news development make you feel that you are being protected by the MMC?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

Metro Manila Council head Francis Zamora: Metro Manila traffic code for single ticketing system approved by technical work group

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The proposal for a single ticketing system related to traffic matters within Metro Manila was approved by a technical work group (TWG), Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announced recently, according to a GMA Network news report. This means that the proposal will be formally discussed with the MMC members and they will determine the final form of the system.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The technical working group (TWG) has approved the Metro Manila traffic code that will be used for the single ticketing system, Metro Manila Council (MMC) chairperson San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Friday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Zamora said the final TWG meeting in connection with the single ticketing system was conducted in San Juan City on Thursday.

“Kaya ang gagawin ko po ngayon ay mag-schedule ng meeting ng MMC upang pag-usapan na ang pinal na porma nga ng ating magiging Metro Manila traffic code na prinisenta na rin kahapon at inaprubahan ng mga representatives na nandoon at kasama na po ako doon,” he said.

(So, I will schedule a meeting in MMC to discuss the final form of the Metro Manila traffic code, which was already presented yesterday and approved by the representatives including me.)

“I just want to clarify na ang aprubado dito ay sa level pa lang ng TWG. So ito ay ii-elevate na natin sa mismong MMC at kung wala naman pong pagtutol ng mga mayors dito, dyan  po magsisimula ang aktwal na proseso ng pag-implementa,” he added.

(I just want to clarify that it is approved only at the level of the TWG. So it will be elevated to the MMC and if there is no objection from the mayors, the process of implementation will start.)

According to Zamora, 20 common traffic violations with corresponding fines have been identified.

In San Juan, he said the fine for disobedience of traffic signs will be lower with the implementation of the single ticketing system. From 2,000 up to 4,000, the fine will be 1,000 only.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will shoulder the expenses for the equipment needed for the new system, according to Zamora.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What can you say about this new development? Do you think a single ticketing system is needed?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Supreme Court issues TRO against No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and sets January 2023 oral arguments

Supreme Court issues TRO against No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) and sets January 2023 oral arguments

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To those of you motorists who got penalized over alleged violations of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) implemented by some local government units (LGUs), be aware that the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the said police and scheduled oral arguments on January 2023, according to a GMA Network news report. Also be aware that certain Metro Manila city mayors are standing firm with the NCAP.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) being implemented by local government units.

In a media briefer, the SC said effective immediately, any apprehensions through the NCAP programs and ordinances related to the policy shall be prohibited until further orders from the court.

It also enjoined the Land Transportation Office and all parties acting on its behalf from giving out motorist information to all local government units, cities, and municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances.

The SC set the oral arguments on the issue on January 24, 2023.

The SC’s order came after transport groups Kapit, Pasang Masda, Altodap, and the Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations filed a petition against local ordinances related to NCAP in five cities in Metro Manila.

A lawyer also asked the high court to declare as unconstitutional and issue a TRO against Manila City Ordinance No. 8676, which implements the policy.

For its part, the LTO has previously asked local governments to temporarily suspend the implementation of the policy, with its head, Teofilo Guadiz III, calling on the mayors of the five cities to sit down with the LTO and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to create uniform guidelines.

To this day, the NCAP is controversial and anyone who got charged for traffic-related violations can challenge the findings through due process. There was this case of the road trap in Parañaque City that affected a lot of motorists with penalties for alleged disregarding of traffic signs. For insight, posted below is an excerpt from a Motopinas.com article about Parañaque’s road trap. Some parts in boldface…

For the many motorcycle riders who reside in Las Pinas and Cavite, going to Manila or Quezon City meant passing through Paranaque City’s Dr. Arcadio Santos Avenue (Sucat RD) toward Domestic Road on the way to EDSA, or toward Macapagal BLVD and Roxas BLVD.

A few weeks ago, road users were in an uproar on what they dubbed as “road trap” in one of the intersections of the said thoroughfare.

On this particular intersection of J.P. Rizal and Sucat RD, the second lane was marked with an arrow for left-turning vehicles only. Since Paranaque City is one of the few Metro Manila cities that implement a No-Contact Apprehension System, hundreds of drivers and motorcycle riders were summoned with their corresponding traffic violation which amounts to PHP 1,500 for Disregarding Traffic Signs (DTS).

What’s odd is that the marking was previously pointing north towards the former Nayong Pilipino and not to the left.

With fuel costs nearing PHP 100/liter, every penny counts for the Juan dela Cruz rider/driver, and penalties from similar traffic violations could mean a family skipping lunch or dinner.

Just recently, a motorcyclist was summoned by the city for DTS. The motorcycle rider sought help from the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), who then advised what steps should be taken following due process of law.

According to MRO, based on their research of relevant laws, LGUs like Paranaque City cannot make a new or update a road marking/traffic sign without prior approval from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) or the Department of Transportation (DOTr)/ Land Transportation Office (LTO).

To follow due process, MRO advised the rider to first seek a reaction/memo from the DPWH as to the legality of the road/traffic markings. The DPWH has then sent a letter to Paranaque LGU advising them that the marking is inconsistent with current standards. You can view the MRO social media post here.

On their end, the City of Paranaque has made the necessary lane marking corrections and has declared the motorcycle rider’s traffic violation void.

For added insight about Parañaque, watch the video below.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? If you were charged for traffic violations based on findings through the NCAP system, which particular local government unit penalize you? Do you believe that the NCAP system is being abused by LGUs as a means to raise internal revenues at the expense of motorists who were tagged for traffic violations? Did Parañaque City’s notorious road trap get you penalized? Do you believe that the NCAP made traffic flow and road discipline better? Do you believe that the NCAP implemented by the cities of Parañaque, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila and Quezon City should be declared illegal by the Supreme Court?

Do you believe that the city governments of Parañaque, Valenzuela, San Juan, Manila and Quezon City should be compelled to reveal how much many they each raised from all the penalties collected through NCAP?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

DILG: No local government unit fully compliant with road clearing operations yet.

DILG: No local government unit fully compliant with road clearing operations yet.

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In response to a certain city government’s claim that it has joined other cities on being 100% compliant with the national government order to clear roads of obstructions, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) stated on September 13 that no local government unit (LGU) yet has been declared as fully compliant.

“We have not made any determination on which LGUs are fully compliant because the assessment of all LGUs will come after the 60-day deadline which will be on September 29, 2019,” DILG spokesperson and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in a statement.

Malaya made the clarification in response to the claim made by the City Government of Makati that it has joined the cities of Marikina, Malabon, Navotas, Pasay, San Juan, Valenzuela and the municipality of Pateros, which earlier reports said are 100-percent compliant with the campaign to clear roads of obstructions, ahead of the 60-day deadline imposed by the DILG.

Citing the department’s Memorandum Circular No. 121-2019, Undersecretary Malaya said full compliance with the order is not based on road clearing operations alone.

Malaya specified that in order for an LGU to be declared as fully compliant, it should enact or revisit ordinances that are related to road clearing, the banning of illegal construction, preparing an inventory of roads within their jurisdiction, implementing displacement strategies and the like.

He added that compliance reports on the matter submitted by LGUs to the DILG regional offices and its Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) are still subject to validation.

Speaking of validation with regards to South Metro Manila, the City Government of Las Piñas claimed on its September 13, 2019 Facebook page post that the DILG “has validated the 100% completion of the clearing operations weeks ahead of the scheduled deadline on September 29,” in relation to DILG Undersecretary RJ Echiverri’s very recent visit and inspection of the result of the local clearing operation which involved the presence of Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar and other city officials.

Excerpt from the City Government of Las Piñas Facebook page post:

The ocular inspection validated the report of Mayor Mel Aguilar and the city government’s Task Force Kaayusan. DILG has validated the 100% completion of the clearing operations weeks ahead of the scheduled deadline on September 29.

Undersecretary Echiverri gave positive comments about the result of the clearing operations in Las Piñas.

Now if only the DILG itself will react to the Facebook claim of the City Government of Las Piñas.

If anything comes up, it will be posted here.