TTMO Stands Firm on Charges Against City Traffic Violators

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

The Iloilo City Transportation and Traffic Management Office (TTMO) remains firm in filing charges against traffic violators despite questions on the legality of its actions.

TTMO head Ret. Col. Uldarico Garbanzos said their legal process was properly followed in filing the cases.

“If there is a question of law later on, then let it be questioned,” he told Daily Guardian in an interview on Tuesday, April 9.

“On our end, the cases we filed involving unresolved traffic infractions were accepted, and that confirms we followed the correct process,” he added.

The Iloilo City Legal Office has reportedly raised concerns over TTMO’s move.

Last week, the TTMO filed cases with the City Prosecutor’s Office against seven traffic violators who failed to pay their fines.

More than 100 additional cases are expected to be filed weekly.

Garbanzos said there was prior coordination and collaboration before cases were elevated to the prosecutor’s office to ensure compliance with proper procedures.

He explained that the omnibus authority granted to him by the City Council only covers traffic violations under city ordinances.

Garbanzos said some critics argue that a memorandum of agreement with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is needed.

He clarified that if deputized by the LTO, TTMO could implement national traffic laws, particularly Republic Act 4136.

Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, outlines the national framework for driver licensing and vehicle registration and assigns enforcement authority to the LTO.

For local traffic enforcers to enforce provisions of RA 4136, coordination with the LTO is required.

“Since there is no MOA, these concerns are just doubts,” Garbanzos said.

“If questions arise later, let the legal experts and lawyers address them,” he added.