MMDA revises towing, impounding guidelines

MANILA, Philippines — Amid complaints from motorists about anomalies when their stalled and illegally parked vehicles are towed, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) came up with a new set of rules to “standardize and professionalize” towing and impounding operations.

Under the new guidelines, towing companies are required to have training on traffic rules, safety and troubleshooting as well as carry a franchise issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Five companies, one for each of the five sectors defined by the MMDA, will manage the towing and impounding operations in Metro Manila.

The agency also specified that towing companies must use flat-bed trucks in towing vehicles instead of wrecker tow trucks.

The trucks should be equipped with a GPS or a navigational system, a dashcam and QR code. Rates for towing and impounding should be posted on the trucks.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes pointed out that the revised guidelines are “innovative.”

Motorists’ complaints about the current towing protocols include illegal towing, overcharging of fees, misconduct by personnel, allegations of extortion, damage incurred by towed cars as well as lost valuables.