Mayors OK higher fine for jaywalkers

MANILA, Philippines - The Metro Manila Council (MMC) yesterday approved a proposal of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to increase the penalty for jaywalking from P150 to P200.

In addition, the MMC – composed of the metropolis’ 17 mayors – also approved the MMDA’s  proposal that aside from paying P200 in fine, apprehended jaywalkers will also be made to attend a 30-minute seminar on disaster response and assistance.

The MMC will also look into the possibility of using a single ticket, called the pedestrian violation receipt (PVR), for all jaywalkers apprehended in Metro Manila.

Earlier, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino called on the local government units of Metro Manila to increase the penalty for jaywalking, saying the penalty was too low to deter repeat offenders. He said the drive against jaywalking is part of the agency’s campaign to keep the streets around schools safe for the opening of classes on June 4.

Tolentino said the PVR would be similar to the single traffic ticket system for traffic violations being used across Metro Manila.