MMDA RESOLUTION NO. 97-001, March 13, 1997

[ MMDA RESOLUTION NO. 97-001, March 13, 1997 ]

BANNING THE USE OF CELLULAR PHONES AND HANDSET RADIOS WHILE OPERATING/DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN METRO MANILA

WHEREAS, it has been observed that usage of cellular phones and handset radios while driving a motor vehicle poses certain hazards to the motorists that may be considered as potential causes of traffic/road accidents; WHEREAS, it has now become exigent and imperative to regulate the usage of cellular phones and handset radios while driving within Metro Manila because of the foregoing reasons:

a. A driver has to use one of his hands to hold the cell unit and the other to tinker with its buttons that will focus his/her eyesight on the cell unit rather than the road which is a dangerous situation;

b. A driver loses the required full concentration to drive;

c. A driver will have a tendency not to understand, interpret, and obey road signs correctly and properly.

WHEREAS, the imposition of fines and such other measures or actions as may be necessary are required to effectively carry out and achieve this purpose;

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) through the Metro Manila Council [Council] is mandated by law to set the policies concerning traffic in Metro Manila, to regulate the implementation of all programs and projects concerning traffic management, and to fix, impose and collect fines and penalties;

WHEREAS, the Council in session assembled resolved to ban the use of cellular phones and handset radios while operating/driving a motor vehicle in Metro Manila with exception of those equipped with hands-free devices.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to Sec. 6 of R.A. 7924, this Regulation is hereby adopted and promulgated by the Metro Manila Council, that:

SECTION 1. The Use of Cellular phone and/or Handset Radio while operating/driving motor vehicle shall be unlawful and shall apply to all city and municipal roads of Metropolitan Manila.

SECTION 2. Drivers using cellular phones and/or handset radios with hands free devices are exempted from this Regulation.

SECTION 3. Violation of this Regulation shall be penalized with a fine of TWO HUNDRED PESOS [P200.00] per offense.

SECTION 4. Any Ordinance, Rules and Regulations and other issuances found to be inconsistent with this regulation is/are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 5. This Regulation shall take effect fifteen [15] days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in Metro Manila.

Adopted: 13 March 1997

(SGD.) PROSPERO I. ORETA Chairman

(SGD.) VICENTE P. EUSEBIO Member Mayor, City of Pasig

(SGD.) PEWEE TRINIDAD Member Acting Mayor, Pasay City

(SGD.) ALFREDO S. LIM Member Mayor, City of Manila

(SGD.) ISMAEL A. MATHAY, JR. Member Mayor, Quezon City

(SGD.) VERGEL A. AGUILAR Member Mayor, Las Piñas

(SGD.) JOSE T. CAPCO, JR. Member Mayor, Pateros

(SGD.) BOBBIT L. CARLOS, MD Member Mayor, Valenzuela

(SGD.) ISIDRO B. GARCIA Member Mayor, Tagig

(SGD.) JINGGOY E. ESTRADA Member Mayor, San Juan

(SGD.) BAYANI F. FERNANDO Member Mayor, Marikina

(SGD.) AMADO S. VICENCIO Member Mayor, Malabon

(SGD.) TOMAS T. BANAGA, JR. Member President, MM Vice Mayors League

(SGD.) FELIPE C. DEL ROSARIO, JR. Member Mayor, Navotas