The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), just like the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), is just one of the many government offices tasked with maintaining good road conditions to ensure road safety in the Philippines.
Created by virtue of Republic Act 7924, the MMDA is best known for its role in metro-wide transport and traffic management and in the apprehension of traffic violators. The MMDA is also well known for its role in clearing side streets, albeit, a bit harshly, in order to improve the flow of traffic. Contrary to popular belief, though, these aren’t the only role that the MMDA plays. In this guide, you can learn more about MMDA as well as all the functions and the different ways that the MMDA offers its service to the Filipino people.
What is MMDA
MMDA stands for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority—a development authority for the National Capital Region (NCR), otherwise known as Metro Manila, a special development and administrative region. It was created in 1995, upon the enactment of Republic Act 7924, “An act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining its powers and functions, providing funding therefore and for other purposes.” Its function is summed up in the charter itself, viz:
The MMDA shall perform planning, monitoring and coordinative functions, and in the process exercise regulatory and supervisory authority over the delivery of metro-wide services within Metro Manila, without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.”
. . .”Sec. 2. Creation of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. – – -x x x.
By tracing its legislative history to RA 7924, it is clear that the MMDA is neither a local government unit nor a public corporation. It’s chartered as a development authority created to replace the Metro Manila Authority (MMA). Unlike its predecessor, the MMDA has a purely administrative function and doesn’t have any police or legislative power. Its creation was meant to lay down policies and plan, monitor, and coordinate regulatory and supervisory plans and services with various national government agencies, people’s organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The MMDA is under the direct supervision of the Office of the President of the Philippines in hopes for the efficient and expeditious delivery of basic services in the metropolitan area without diminution of the autonomy of the local government units concerning purely local matters.
MMDA and Frontline Offices Mission and Vision
As a development authority, the MMDA has several frontline offices that offer the services to the people. Both the MMDA and these offices operate with the same vision to make Metro Manila a humane, world-class environment for all.
The MMDA and its frontline offices operates under the guidance of these mission and vision:
Vision
Towards a humane, world-class metropolis with a livable and workable physical environment for all.
MMDA Mission
As a global-oriented metropolis, Metropolitan Manila will evolve into a major business and transaction center in the Asia-Pacific region.
As a center of a growth polygon for Luzon Island, Metropolitan Manila will influence the creation of socio-economic opportunities in the areas beyond its political and administrative boundaries.
Frontline Offices’ Mission
Traffic Discipline Office
To provide better management services resulting from a balanced integration of traffic education, engineering and enforcement services.
Solid Waste Management Office
To promote door to door garbage collection in all LGUs of Metro Manila as a means to achieve litter-free, garbage-free streets, sidewalks, vacant lots and waterways and as a tool in advancing proper collection of recyclable materials thereby reducing the amount of solid waste that would require land filling to the final disposal facilities that MMDA assures to provide.
Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office
To prevent flooding in Metro Manila and to make all roads flood-free and passable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians at all times.
Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office
To safeguard the health and sanitation of the region, enhance ecological balance and prevent, control and abate environmental pollution. To continuously implement programs, policies and procedures to achieve public safety, especially disaster preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters.
MMDA Functions
More than its role in transport and traffic management, the MMDA also has functions in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations.
Section 5 of RA No. 7924 enumerates the “Functions and Powers of the Metro Manila Development Authority” as follows:
- To formulate, coordinate, and regulate the implementation of medium and long term plans and programs within Metropolitan Manila for the following:
- delivery of metro-wide services,
- land use
- physical development
- Prepare, coordinate and regulate the implementation and government services related to medium term investment programs, sources, including fund use, packaging, and presentation of products to funding institutions metro-wide;
- Undertake and manage on its own metro-wide programs and projects for the delivery of specific services under its jurisdiction subject to the approval of the Council.
- To create appropriate project management offices;
- Coordinate and monitor the implementation of plans, programs and projects in Metro Manila;
- Identify bottlenecks and adopt solutions to problems of implementation; and
- To set the policies concerning traffic in Metropolitan Manila,
- To coordinate and regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management specifically pertaining to enforcement, engineering and education.
- To extend assistance and cooperation to traffic management programs and projects, including but not limited to, assignment of personnel, by all other government agencies and offices concerned.
- To install and administer a single ticketing system,
- To fix, impose and collect fines and penalties for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations, whether moving or non-moving in nature
- To confiscate and suspend or revoke driver’s licenses in the enforcement of such traffic laws and regulations, notwithstanding the provisions of RA 4136 and PD 1605 to the contrary
- To enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, through its traffic operation center.
- To deputize members of the PNP, traffic enforcers of local government units, duly licensed security guards or members of non-governmental organizations to enforce all traffic laws and regulations in Metro Manila, subject to conditions and requirements.
- Perform other related functions required to achieve the objectives of the MMDA, including the following:
- the undertaking of delivery of basic services to the local government units when deemed necessary, subject to prior coordination with and consent of the local government unit concerned.
Institutional Linkages of the MMDA
The MMDA shall, in carrying out its functions, consult, coordinate, enter into contracts, memorandum of agreement, and other cooperative arrangements, and work closely with the following institutions:
- Local Government Units (LGUs),
- National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) – for integration into the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDD) and public investment program
- Department of Finance – to interface with the foreign assistance agencies and obtain financing support, grants, and donations for its programs and projects
- Other national government agencies
- Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage (MWSS)
- Department of Transportation (DOTr)
- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
- Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)
- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
- Accredited people’s organizations (POs)
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
- Private sector operating in Metro Manila
Scope of Services
The charter documents for the MMDA also details the scope of the metro-wide services it offers. These services are divided under different fields of jurisdiction, though all of them are expected to have metro-wide impact, transcend legal political boundaries, and entail huge expenditures such that it isn’t a viable service that individual local government units (LGUs) can provide.
These services shall include:
Development Planning
- preparation of medium and long term development plans
- the development, evaluation, and packaging of projects
- investment programming
- coordination of plans
- monitoring of plans
- program and project implementation
Transport and Traffic Management
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
- rationalizing the existing transport operations, infrastructure requirements, the use of thoroughfares
- promotion of for safe and convenient movement of persons, goods
- provision for the mass transport system and the institution of a system to regulate road users
- administration and implementation of all traffic enforcement operations, including the institution of a single ticketing system
- administration and implementation of all traffic engineering services
- administration and implementation of all traffic education programs
Solid Waste Disposal and Management
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for proper sanitation and waste disposal
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for proper sanitation and waste disposal
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for proper sanitation and waste disposal
- establishment and operation of sanitary landfill and related facilities
- implementation of other alternative programs intended to reduce, reuse, and recycle solid waste
Flood Control and Sewerage Management
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of policies for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of standards for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
- formulation, coordination and monitoring of programs and projects for an integrated flood control, drainage and sewerage system
Urban Renewal, Zoning and Land Use Planning and Shelter Services
- formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
- formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
- formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth and expansion
- formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to rationalize and optimize urban land use and provide direction to urban growth
- expansion, rehabilitation and development of slum and blighted areas
- development of shelter and housing facilities, and
- provision of necessary social services.
Health and Sanitation, Urban Protection and Pollution Control
- formulation, adoption and implementation of policies for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
- formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
- formulation, adoption and implementation of standards for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
- formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects for the promotion and safeguarding of the health and sanitation
- enhancement of ecological balance
- prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution
Public Safety
- formulation, adoption and implementation of policies to achieve public safety
- formulation, adoption and implementation of rules and regulations to achieve public safety
- formulation, adoption and implementation of standards to achieve public safety
- formulation, adoption and implementation of programs and projects to achieve public safety
- To promote preparedness for preventive or rescue operations during times of calamities and disasters such as conflagrations, earthquake, flood and tidal waves
- coordination and mobilization of resources, and
- implementation for rehabilitation and relief operations in coordination with national agencies concerned
MMDA Projects
Some of the current projects undertaken by the MMDA include:
MMDA-Sesame Workshop
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in partnership with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind the iconic television series, Sesame Street, have signed a three-year partnership to teach children about road safety, waste management, and public safety. The event was graced by Sesame Street characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and their friends.
MM Flood Management
The Metro Manila Flood Management Project refers to the Metro Manila Flood Management Master Plan designed to reduce vulnerability to and to strengthen resilience against floods. It specifically addresses the structural measures to improve urban drainage in Metro Manila through the following set of interventions:
- to modernize existing pumping stations and make improvements to appurtenant infrastructure;
- construct new pumping stations to accommodate urban expansion;
- increase short-term water retention capacity in the drainage areas;
- reduce the volume of indiscriminately dumped solid waste into waterways; and
- support community-driven resettlement of Informal Settler Families (ISF) encroaching in easements for drains and waterways linked to the project pumping stations to safer in-city locations.
MMDA-The Union Project: “Intensified Enforcement of Smoke Free Environment Policy in Metropolitan Manila”
MMDA is a recipient of a grant from The International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, a not-for-profit scientific organization working in the field of lung health worldwide, to ensure the enforcement of local issuances related to the reduction of tobacco use in Metro Manila. The project is managed by the Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office, with The Union Project Management Team and is designed to do the following:
- disseminate information
- provide education
- run communication campaigns
- propose advocacy
- support policy development,
- implement and enforce tobacco control
- ensure that Smoke Free Environment policy is put into effect and sustained in the cities
Development Planning: The MRT 7 Extension Project
The MRT 7 Extension project was endorsed by the Regional Development Council for National Capital Region (RDC-NCR) Infrastructure Committee to the RDC-NCR Proper to develop and construct a 22-kilometer, six-lane asphalt road that will connect the North Luzon Expressway to Tala, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It will run in a northeast direction traversing Quezon City and part of Caloocan City and ending at San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and will have fourteen (14) MRT-7 stations along the road which will be operated by the Universal LRT Corporation (ULC) under a Built-Gradual Transfer-Operate-and- Maintain Scheme.
Pahayagan ng Bayan
The Pahayagan ng Bayan is a public service announcement tool of the Agency where advertising collaterals of events, projects and activities of various national and local government units in Metro Manila as well as non-government or civic organizations are posted. These are steel pylons, measuring 20 ft. high and 6 ft. wide, strategically-placed on different areas in Metro Manila. These ad spaces are under the use, maintenance, and supervision of the Public Information Office of the MMDA.
For a complete list of other MMDA Infra-projects, please check this link here: https://mmda.gov.ph/images/pdf/Home/metromanila77infraprojects.pdf
Sources of Funds and the Operating Budget of MMDA
Upon establishment, the MMDA was allotted a one billion peso (PI ,000,000,000)-budget. To date, the MMDA continues to receive the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) allocated to them.
Other source of funds for MMDA include:
- Levy fines
- Imposed fees and charges for various services rendered
- Five percent (5%) of the total annual gross revenue of the preceding year, net of the internal revenue allotment, of each local government unit payable monthly to the MMDA by each city or municipality.
Note: In case of failure to remit the said fixed contribution, the DBM shall cause the disbursement of the same to MMDA chargeable against the IRA allotment of the city or municipality concerned, the provisions of Section 286 of RA 7160 to the contrary notwithstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the MMDA:
1. Is MMDA for Manila only?
No. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is a development authority of the Philippine government responsible for the cities and municipalities within the special administrative region of Metro Manila and not just Manila City.
2. What cities are under the MMDA?
The MMDA has jurisdiction over the sixteen (16) highly urbanized cities (HUCs) in Metro Manila, including the City of Manila, Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela. It also covers one municipality within NCR: Pateros.
3. What is MMDA responsible for?
The MMDA is tasked with transport and traffic management, urban renewal direction, “blighted” slum area rehabilitation, and city diversity progression. These tasks also involved the MMDA in various medium and long-term development projects together with other sectors and government offices on multiple fronts.
4. Does MMDA have police power?
No. The MMDA is not vested with police power. According to the Republic Act No. 7924 which created the MMDA, the MMDA is not to have police power, let alone legislative power, and that all its functions are administrative in nature.
5. Is MMDA deputized by LTO?
Yes. Based on LTO guidelines, active members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units occupying permanent position items and whose work assignments are directly related to traffic management and control can be deputized by the LTO. That said MMDA enforcers may be deputized by the LTO, though that isn’t the only responsibility that the MMDA has.
6. What happens if you ignore MMDA?
Ever heard of the saying, “You can run but you can’t hide?” Well, the same rings true for MMDA. If you try to run away from the MMDA traffic enforcers, if you can even succeed in doing so, the MMDA will simply seek the help of the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG). You will still be apprehended at the end of the day and the running may even cost you more problems than it’s worth.
7. Can MMDA take your license?
It depends. In the past, MMDA traffic enforcers could confiscate driver’s license, but with the new Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) single ticketing system (STS), traffic enforcers in Metro Manila can no longer do so, except in certain cases.
Summary
While the MMDA is best known for its role in managing traffic, it has a host of other responsibilities aside from its role in catching traffic violators or clearing side streets to improve the flow of traffic. In fact, the MMDA also helps in solid waste disposal and management, flood control programs, health and sanitation programs, and public safety programs, such as disaster relief operations. The MMDA also coordinates services with metro-wide impact especially those that transcend local political boundaries or would entail huge expenditures if provided by the individual LGUs. However, the MMDA capacity has its limitations, including its inability to enact ordinances. It is important to note that the MMDA is authorized by law to enforce a valid law, or ordinance, or regulation arising from a real legitimate source other than itself.
Contact Information
For more information or for other concerns, you may reach out to the MMDA directly, via the following contact information:
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)—Office of the Chairman
Office Address: MMDA Bldg., EDSA cor. Orense St., Guadalupe, Makati City
Tel. No.: 882-0854; 882-0893; 882-0871; 882-2646
Contact Person: Atty. Romando S. Artes, Acting Chairman
Phone Number: 8898-4200 Local : 1901