ILOILO City — Barangay officials in Iloilo City may soon be authorized to issue traffic citations as part of a proposed community-based enforcement strategy backed by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Nicolas Torre III.
The proposal, which seeks to deputize barangay chairpersons, peace and order committee heads, and tanod commanders, is expected to significantly expand the city’s traffic enforcement capability by bringing road regulation directly to the community level.
Torre, who was here recently, said the initiative would strengthen grassroots compliance with traffic laws while promoting accountability among residents.
“This is a form of policing or law enforcement at the community level. It can help encourage residents to follow traffic rules and regulations because the people implementing them are also community leaders,” he said.
He added that barangay officials should set an example for residents by strictly complying with traffic regulations, including rules against illegal roadside parking.
The proposal was earlier floated by Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) head Uldarico Garbanzos, who said deputized barangay personnel could be empowered to issue citation tickets for traffic violations.
“Not all the time are our traffic personnel present in every area. It would be better if there are deputized personnel who can issue citations and immediately address traffic violations within their communities,” Garbanzos said.
According to Garbanzos, the initiative is intended to strengthen enforcement in areas where TTMO personnel cannot maintain a constant presence.
He emphasized, however, that barangay officials would first undergo comprehensive training before receiving enforcement authority.
“Those who will be deputized must first learn the applicable regulations and ordinances. We also need legal experts to discuss enforcement protocols so they will know the proper procedures and avoid violating the rights of motorists while carrying out their duties,” he said.
If implemented, the program is expected to complement the city’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic discipline and road management amid increasing vehicle volume in Iloilo City./PN
