MMDA starts anti-jaywalking drive

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will start today its Metro-wide crackdown on jaywalkers.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said yesterday the crackdown will be implemented by the agency’s “men-in-red” or personnel of the Anti-Jaywalking Unit, who will be wearing bright red shirts.

Tolentino said those caught not using the pedestrian crosswalk or footbridges in crossing the street will be issued a pedestrian violation receipt (PVR) and fined P200.

Tolentino clarified that only the “men-in-red” are authorized to arrest jaywalkers and issue the PVRs.

According to Tolentino, a particular target of the drive is Commonwealth Avenue, where several accidents involving jaywalkers have been reported.

He said that they “have identified six or seven areas” where they will concentrate, particularly those with heavy traffic flow and where many jaywalkers have figured in accidents.

Last Tuesday, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), which is composed of all the mayors of Metro Manila and is the policy-making arm of the MMDA, approved the proposal of the MMDA to increase the penalty for jaywalking from P150 to P200.

In addition, the MMC also approved the MMDA’s proposal that aside from paying P200 in fine, apprehended jaywalkers will also be made to attend a 30-minute seminar on disaster response and assistance to be given by the MMDA.

Earlier, the MMDA called on the local government units of Metro Manila to hike the penalty for jaywalking. According to Tolentino, the penalty being imposed on jaywalkers at present is too low to deter repeat offenders.

Under MMDA Ordinance 1 Series of 1995, the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance, violators are fined P150 and a community service of not more than one day. Aside from these, the apprehended violator is also made to undergo a seminar on the importance of the anti-jaywalking ordinance.