[ Manila Bulletin Online ] March 23, 2008
Chito A. Chavez
Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said yesterday preparations are under way for the implementation of the single-ticketing system (STS) in Metro Manila with the ongoing review of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) by the mayors.
Meanwhile, reports reaching the office of the chairman said the five mayors opposing the scheme led by Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay are slated to sit down tomorrow with 12 other Metro mayors, various transport leaders, representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Governments and the MMDA at the office of Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos to arrive at a common stand for or against the single-ticketing system.
Despite the signing of Executive Order 712 mandating the implementation of the single-ticketing system, the implementation of the scheme still hangs in the balance due to the opposition of some mayors to give up their own ordinance violation receipts in favor of the STS.
The implementing rules of MMDA Resolution No. 07-26 – adopting the Metropolitan Traffic Ticket as the official traffic violation citation instrument of MMDA traffic enforcers and deputized agents in Metro Manila, which has been approved by a majority of 11 mayors – are currently being passed around among the local executives who make up the Metro Manila Council, for their approval, modification and refinement.
The traffic enforcers of the various local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila are currently undergoing rigid training and a two-week seminar on the basics of traffic management and the mechanics of the single-ticketing system before they are deputized by the MMDA.
Fernando reiterated that the scheme would be enforced within 15 days after Executive Order 712, mandating the implementation of the scheme, gets published.
The MMDA chief maintained that the executive order was a lawful directive that all local governments should heed.
Meanwhile, transport leaders Roberto Martin of Pasang Masda and Orlando Marquez of 1-UTAK urged the warring factions made up of the MMDA and local mayors to set aside their differences for the common good of the transport sector and the riding public.
They said the transportation sector has been greatly affected by the failure of the LGUs and the MMDA to resolve the issues surrounding the single-ticketing system and other problems bugging the industry.
Martin said the transport sector is willing to sit down with the MMDA and the LGUs anytime to find a win-win solution for better services to the riding public.
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