For Metro Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) no-contact policy to fully succeed, government’s “no plate available” system must end.

This was pointed out today by Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto in asking government to “plug some loopholes” in what he describes as a good program which could promote traffic discipline “if properly implemented.”

Recto cited in particular “the challenge of tagging with precision cars involved in traffic violations when they have yet to get their fully-paid plates.”

“The street cameras used may be of the high definition kind. But can they capture with certainty and clarity the image of that small conduction sticker? Just the same, the need to supply the plates is there. But this new MMDA program makes it more urgent,” Recto said.

“If MMDA will only rely on conduction stickers, does the agency have the list of new car owners from car dealers nationwide. And will the latter be obliged to furnish the agency with the same?” he asked.

Recto said he also finds it “absurd” that the MMDA has resorted to modern technology in apprehending erring motorists but remain outdated in the appeals process involving motorists not guilty of any traffic violation.

“May kotse ka. Nabenta mo. Pero ang rehistro pangalan mo pa. Nahuli. Pinadalhan ka ng sulat. Magrereklamo ka, siyempre. Paano? Personal mong pupuntahan sa MMDA office,” the senator pointed out.

“Bakit hindi maglagay ng hotline, even for the purpose of answering queries? Helpline o by email na lang. Ilagay sa notice that you can reach us through these telephone numbers or email address. Kesa pupunta ka sa MMDA na ma-traffic. Paano kung taga-probinsya ka? Luluwas ka ng Maynila?” he added.

“Definitely, may disjoint dito. Hi-tech ang apprehension. Pero yung appeals process, low-tech. Bakit hindi seamlessly online sa lahat? I agree that there must be face-time as the appeals progress. But in the initial stage, can’t it be done over the phone or by email? ” Recto said.

Under MMDA rules, if a previous owner of a vehicle receives a notice of violation, he or she may file a protest at the MMDA Traffic Adjudication Division and show a notarized Deed of Sale as evidence, as well as the name and address of the current owner.

“Can the protest be sent by registered mail na lang or by courier? The best if it’s by email. Kahit to acknowledge man lang?” Recto said.

Recto said the no contact project and other reforms call for the expansion of MMDA “customer service and feedback” infrastructure.

“If burger sellers and pizza makers have call centers, why can’t we have a 24/7 one for MMDA? National government should shoulder part of the cost of establishing this, with MMDA chipping in using proceeds from traffic fines,” Recto said.

The senator said “contactless apprehension” is a project worth pursuing.

“Properly implemented it can result in the responsible and safe use of roads. There will be birth pains. The most painful of which is that there are tens of thousands of NPA or ‘no plate available’ cars running on the road.”

Only recently, Recto called on the Department of Finance (DOF) to authorize the donation to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of 600,000 vehicle plates declared abandoned by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Manila.

“The donation will ease the problem of backlog in the issuance of car plates. Turning them over to the LTO will benefit many motorists who have long complained of the delay in the receipt of vehicle plates despite full payment of higher fees,” Recto said.

Recto explained that the BOC is empowered to dispose of properties abandoned or have valid, but unsatisfied lien for custom duties, taxes, and other collectible charges pursuant to the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

“The BOC is also likewise empowered by the same law to dispose of the abandoned articles to the best advantage of government through sale, auction or donation,” the senator pointed out.

“By releasing the vehicle plates, we not only uphold government commitment to the motoring public, we also strengthen the capability of government to enforce transportation policies,” he added.