Magalong pushes for a single ticketing system in Baguio
Mayor Benjamin Magalong has pushed for the adoption of the single ticketing system for traffic violations similar to the scheme piloted in the National Capital Region beginning May 2, 2023.
The mayor directed the city traffic team to begin working on a draft ordinance adopting the same scheme in the city in coordination with Councilor Benny Bomogao, chair of the city council committee on public utilities, transportation and traffic legislation.
He said the Dept. of Interior and Local Government (DILG) had urged local government units to implement a similar policy.
The single ticketing system aims to “harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish an effective transport and traffic management system in Metro Manila” including the imposition of uniform fines for the violations.
Last February 1, 2023, the Metro Manila Council adopted the system by establishing the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.
The pilot implementation covered Manila, Parañaque, Quezon City, Caloocan, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chief Don Artes reportedly said Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. aired intent to push for the system’s adoption nationwide in hopes of unifying traffic fines in the different LGUs.
Artes reportedly said that aside from unifying the fines, the system will enable the “integration of other LGUs within the LTO’s IT systems or the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS)” which will facilitate payment of fines and will eliminate the process of confiscation of licenses. – Aileen P. Refuerzo
