NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
MMDA Conducts Meeting With Stakeholders For Body-Worn Cameras
Photo credit: MMDA
In a significant move towards promoting transparency and accountability in traffic management and enforcement operations, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) held a stakeholders meeting at the MMDA headquarters.
Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, General Manager Usec. Procopio Lipana, and other agency officials presented the drafted rules governing the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers, as well as procedures for flagging down motorists.
The consultation witnessed the participation of various stakeholders including lawmakers and other agencies. The procedure outlined during the meeting shed light on the appropriate conduct for traffic enforcers when motorists object to being recorded or invoke their right to privacy.
"We value the input of stakeholders before fully implementing this measure," stated Atty. Don Artes. He further emphasized that the comments and suggestions gathered from the stakeholders would be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA, which comprises the 17 Metro Manila mayors.
Obet Martin, the national president of the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANGMASDA), praised Chairman Artes' leadership and expressed appreciation for the MMDA's proactive approach. Martin also called for the inclusion of traffic education in the school curriculum to further improve road safety.
Chairman Artes highlighted that the body-worn cameras, equipped with video and audio recording capabilities, would serve as a protective measure for both traffic enforcers and motorists during apprehensions. He emphasized, "The use of body-worn cameras will deter traffic enforcers from accepting bribes and motorists from offering them, as the Metrobase will record the entire apprehension process. The captured footage can serve as valuable evidence."
The body-worn cameras, similar to devices used in the United Kingdom, are designed to capture and record the complete operation. With a battery life of six to eight hours, they will initially be distributed to 120 authorized traffic enforcers who issue citation tickets to traffic violators.
Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, General Manager Usec. Procopio Lipana, and other agency officials presented the drafted rules governing the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers, as well as procedures for flagging down motorists.
The consultation witnessed the participation of various stakeholders including lawmakers and other agencies. The procedure outlined during the meeting shed light on the appropriate conduct for traffic enforcers when motorists object to being recorded or invoke their right to privacy.
"We value the input of stakeholders before fully implementing this measure," stated Atty. Don Artes. He further emphasized that the comments and suggestions gathered from the stakeholders would be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA, which comprises the 17 Metro Manila mayors.
Obet Martin, the national president of the Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila & Suburbs Drivers Association (PASANGMASDA), praised Chairman Artes' leadership and expressed appreciation for the MMDA's proactive approach. Martin also called for the inclusion of traffic education in the school curriculum to further improve road safety.
Chairman Artes highlighted that the body-worn cameras, equipped with video and audio recording capabilities, would serve as a protective measure for both traffic enforcers and motorists during apprehensions. He emphasized, "The use of body-worn cameras will deter traffic enforcers from accepting bribes and motorists from offering them, as the Metrobase will record the entire apprehension process. The captured footage can serve as valuable evidence."
The body-worn cameras, similar to devices used in the United Kingdom, are designed to capture and record the complete operation. With a battery life of six to eight hours, they will initially be distributed to 120 authorized traffic enforcers who issue citation tickets to traffic violators.
Jul 6, 2023
