MMDA releases rules on videos, photos by enforcers

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) released Wednesday a set of rules governing the use of video cameras or camera phones by its enforcers.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino earlier defended traffic enforcer Jorbe Adriatico’s use of a mobile phone camera to record on video the apprehension of businessman Joseph Ingco, who was driving a Maserati. The recording reportedly irked Ingco and led to him roughing up Adriatico.

Tolentino said MMDA traffic enforcers may use their phone cameras to record incidents of apprehensions especially in areas where there are no closed-circuit television cameras.

In the rules released by the agency’s Traffic Discipline Office, enforcers are allowed to use mobile phone cameras if:

• The footage taken is related to a violation of traffic rules.

• The footage has to be in relation to an ongoing traffic violation.

• The use of the recording device should not be intrusive. Enforcers are not to train their recording devices on the face of the motorist being apprehended.

• The video footage should only be used for evidence during investigation.

• The apprehended motorist can demand a copy of the video footage taken by the enforcer.

• Any attack on a traffic enforcer, be it physical or verbal may be recorded on video.

• Motorists can also record on video the apprehending traffic enforcer.

• Traffic enforcers can also record on video any incidents not related to traffic management but concerns public safety such as street crimes, fires and flooding.