Non-contact apprehension for distracted driving — MMDA

MANILA, Philippines -  Even with the suspension of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will still use its non-contact apprehension to run after motorists who use cell phones and other gadgets while driving, an official said yesterday. 

MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) instructed them to warn drivers who use or hold their mobile phones while driving.

“The DOTr instructed us to notify traffic enforcers on the ground to warn motorists seen on CCTV using cellphones while driving,” Pialago said. 

She clarified that traffic enforcers will not apprehend the erring driver.

Pialago said they would study and ask the DOTr if they could post the plate numbers of motorists who were given a warning. 

She said the warning is the most the MMDA could do for now while the anti-distracted driving law is suspended.

“It can also be used in the government’s information dissemination campaign on the anti-distracted driving law,” she said.

The law was first implemented on May 18 and suspended on May 23.

The MMDA had apprehended a total of 284 persons for distracted driving.

Pialago said they have not notified the apprehended drivers of their violation as per order from the DOTr.  

The DOTr will revive its technical working group to review the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Distracted Driving Law, or Republic Act 10913.