Mandaluyong mayor denies signing MMDA’s ticketing system resolution

MANILA, Philippines - Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos clarified Saturday that he did not sign a resolution of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) supporting the implementation of the single-ticketing system in Metro Manila. Abalos said that a resolution of the MMDA is just a manifestation and has to get the approval of its legislative body, which is the Metro Manila Council (MMC). “I would like to put on record that I was against it (single ticketing system). A resolution is just a manifestation, it is not even a law. The MMC is composed of mayors. The mayors cannot legislate because legislation is inherent in the local council and Congress," Abalos said. Abalos added: “For me it (MMDA resolution) is an encroachment of our functions." Abalos, president of the League of Mayors of the Philippines, said what the members of the LMP signed was an MMDA resolution, which respects the Local Government Units (LGUs) functions to implement its own Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR). “I did not sign the resolution for a single ticketing system. I just signed the MMDA resolution adopting the Metropolitan ticketing system to be used by MMDA enforcers. Furthermore, the MMDA resolution which I signed stated that the present OVR being issued by the LGUs, in the exercise of their functions shall remain in their jurisdiction," Abalos said. Abalos said that at present LGUs are observing “reciprocity" with each other in implementing its own traffic rules. “We have the so-called reciprocity with each LGUs. Like for example in Makati, If you are cited for violations of traffic rules in Makati and you were issued OVR, we will respect that in Mandaluyong because our City recognized their autonomy," Abalos said. Abalos said the MMC members are set to meet Monday to discuss the single ticketing system. - GMANews.TV