MMDA enforcers will be soon equipped with body cams

Transport stakeholders gives MMDA nod to use body cams

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), was recently given a nod by various transport stakeholders, including those from the auto, motorcycle, public transportation, and law enforcement units with the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcement and help promote transparency during operations.

MMDA Acting Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, together with key agency officials, presented the drafted rules on the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers and procedures when flagging down motorists.

The procedure presented details on what traffic enforcers should say when motorists object to being recorded and if motorists invoke their right to privacy. “We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation,” said Artes. 

Artes said stakeholders' comments will be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA, whose members are the 17 Metro Manila mayors.

1-Rider Partylist representative, Bonifacio Bosita, commended Artes’ leadership, citing that traffic enforcers’ use of body-worn cameras will provide effective traffic enforcement operations.

“We support Chairman Artes and we see this push for body-worn cameras for law enforcement [operations] as proof of his sincerity and public service leadership,” said Bosita.

Artes added that the body-worn cameras with video and audio recording features, will protect both the traffic enforcers and the motorists being apprehended. “The use of body-worn cameras will prevent traffic enforcers from taking bribes and motorists from offering bribes since the Metrobase will record the apprehension process. The footage may serve as evidence,” said Artes. 

The body-worn cameras, designed to capture and record the entire conduct of the operation, are similar to gadgets being used in the United Kingdom. The gadgets have 6 to 8 hours of battery life.

During its initial deployment, 120 body cameras will be distributed to traffic enforcers who are authorized to issue citation tickets to traffic violators.