THE chief of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) Swift Traffic Action Group (STAG) pushed back against a lawmaker’s suggestion to suspend traffic apprehensions, saying enforcement is meant to correct violations and keep roads safer for motorists and the public.
Edison “Bong” Nebrija made the remarks on Thursday after Swerte Rep. Arlyn Ayon asked the Land Transportation Office (LTO) during a House Committee on Transportation hearing whether authorities could temporarily stop apprehending traffic violators, especially single motorcycle riders, amid rising oil prices.
“Let us be clear — traffic apprehension is not meant to make the lives of our countrymen harder. It is meant to correct misbehavior and make our roads safer for everyone,” Nebrija said in a statement.
Nebrija said he often stresses in his lectures the need to change how people view traffic rules, saying motorists should recognize that regulations are meant to protect road users rather than burden them.
“Because if we keep looking at traffic apprehension as burden, then try comparing it with paying hospital bills after a road crash. It is much more burdensome,” he said.
MMDA Special Operations Group–Strike Force head Gabriel Go also questioned Ayon’s proposal, saying that enforcement only applies to those who commit violations.
“As long as motorists have no violations, there will be no apprehensions. But we cannot forego apprehending erring motorists as this will bring disorder on the roads. Discipline and order are a must on our roads as this is a matter of road safety for all road users,” Go told The Manila Times on Thursday.
During the hearing, Ayon had asked if authorities could consider a temporary “no apprehension” policy for single motorcycle riders, whom she said are often parents bringing children to school.