Caloocan is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, with lots of commercial and residential areas. Having more than 1.6 million people as of 2020, it is the country’s fourth-most populated city!
When it comes to transportation, Caloocan City has an extensive network of roads that jeepneys, taxis, buses, and private cars traverse everyday. There are several train stations, too, with some under construction for expanding the rail networks. Obviously, heavy traffic is a common issue, so aside from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the city’s Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD) also plays an important role.
What is the PSTMD?
The Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD) of the Caloocan City Government is the unit in charge of managing traffic matters, transportation, and public safety concerns.
Vision and Mission
As part of the Caloocan City Government, the PSTMD adheres to the vision and mission of the city, as follows:
Vision
Here’s the vision statement according to the city’s official website:
“The historic City of Caloocan is a source of highly competitive human resource, with a vibrant economy, populated by empowered and resilient citizenry, in an ecologically-balanced environment, governed by people-centric, competent, and ethical public servants.”
Mission
The Caloocan City Government’s mission involves social, economic, institutional, physical, and environmental development aspects:
Social Development. “To uplift the overall well-being of residents through the provision of quality services while ensuring a safe and orderly environment conducive for social growth.”
Economic Development. “To usher in inclusive economic growth through quality manpower training, and furthering of a business-nurturing environment — both for investors and residents.”
Institutional Development. “To bring forth a healthy working environment for a more motivated, dedicated, and skilled workforce through innovative management towards an enhanced citizen and government engagement.”
Environmental Management and Physical Development. “To provide adaptive, resilient, and green infrastructures driven by social needs and environmental responsibilities.”
Programs and Services
Aside from managing traffic, issuing traffic advisories and other public safety matters, the PSTMD provides these services, as mentioned in the Caloocan City Citizen’s Charter:
Redemption of License from the Traffic Ticket Management Office. This service is offered to apprehended drivers/motorists who have violated traffic laws and have been issued with violation tickets.
Redemption of Impounded Vehicles from the Traffic Ticket Management Office. This service is for apprehended traffic violators who would like to redeem their confiscated impounded vehicles.
Filing of Complaints (Traffic Adjudication Court). This service is for apprehended drivers/motorists who have complaints and would like to contest the traffic violation issued to them.
Issuance of Non-Obstruction Clearance to Businesses. This service is for owners of business establishments who require a Non-Obstruction Clearance.
Issuance of Franchise and Mayor’s Permit. Owners/drivers of private and public utility tricycle and pedicab units need a Certificate of Franchise and Mayor’s Permit in order to operate their vehicles.
Violations and Penalties
Caloocan City adheres to national as well as local (city ordinances) laws on traffic management and transportation. Here is a list of some of the most common violations and their corresponding penalties, including traffic violations and those under special laws:
Traffic Violations
- Number coding scheme – PHP 500
- Tricycle ban – PHP 500
- Dress code for motorcycles – PHP 500
- Arrogance/Discourtesy conduct – PHP 500
- Failure to carry/show/surrender OR/CR – PHP 500
- Not giving way at intersections – PHP 500
- No franchise/CPC/PA carried – PHP 500
- No fare matrix displayed – PHP 500
- Violation of one way street – PHP 500
- Violation of “No Entry” sign – PHP 500
- Violation of “No U-Turn” Sign – PHP 500
- Disregarding traffic sign – PHP 1,000
- Reckless driving – PHP 1,000
- Obstruction – PHP 1,000
- Overloading – PHP 1,000
- Defective motor vehicle accessories – PHP 1,000
- Loading/Unloading in prohibited zones – PHP 1,000
- Over speeding – PHP 1,000
- Smoke belching – PHP 1,000
- Illegal parking attended – PHP 1,000
- Discrimination of passengers/trip cutting – PHP 1,000
- Failure to carry/show/surrender driver’s license – PHP 1,000
- Street diggings or road closure without permit – PHP 1,000
- Driving without license – PHP 1,000 + impoundment
- Unregistered motor vehicle – PHP 1,000 + impoundment
- Illegal parking unattended – PHP 2,000
- Light truck ban – PHP 2,000
- Unauthorized modification – PHP 2,000
- Illegal counterflow – PHP 2,000
- Truck Ban PHP 3,000
- Out of route/line (PUB/PUJ) – PHP 3,000 + impoundment
Violations Under Special Laws
- Failure to use seat belt – PHP 1,000
- Failure to use Child Restraint System (CRS) – PHP 1,000
- Use of substandard CRS – PHP 1,000
- No motorcycle helmet – PHP 1,500
- Driving under the influence of liquor or drugs – PHP 2,500 + impoundment
- Violation of Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act – PHP 3,000
- Use of helmet with no ICC marking – PHP 3,000
- Anti Distractive Driving Act – PHP 5,000
Latest Updates
Meanwhile, here are the latest updates on the Caloocan PSTMD, according to its official Facebook page:
Clearing Operations, Relief Assistance After Typhoon
Soon after Typhoon Carina and Habagat (monsoon) rains hit the country last July, the PSTMD performed clearing operations, removing soil and debris from the city streets.
Likewise, the Caloocan City Government provided relief packages for families affected by the typhoon, including residents at: Shelterville and Solar Urban Homes, Barangay 171; Urduja, Barangay 172; Yellowbell Street, Barangay 174; and Cielito, Barangay 177.
Continuous Implementation of “Oplan Bulabog”
The PSTMD, along with the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWDD) and Caloocan City Police Station (CCPS), regularly conducts “Oplan Bulabog” to maintain peace and order in the city.
“Oplan Bulabog” aims to put a stop to riots and other activities (e.g. drinking alcohol) involving the youth. The PSTMD issues tickets to violators, while the CSWDD provides counseling. The city government urges parents to help with disciplining their children, especially minors.
Clearing Operation and Opening of Mindanao Avenue Extension
On the first week of September 2024, the Mindanao Avenue Extension was opened to light vehicles traveling to and from Quezon City and Valenzuela City. This move is expected to help decongest traffic along Quirino Hiway, P. dela Cruz Street, and Gen. Luis Street.
Prior to the opening of the Mindanao Avenue Extension, the PSTMD carried out clearing operations to ensure the safety and cleanliness of the road for motorists and everyone.
Contact Information: Public Safety and Traffic Management Department
For those who have questions and concerns regarding traffic and transportation in Caloocan City, you can reach the PSTMD through the following contact details:
Address: Samson Rd., Sangandaan, Caloocan, Metro Manila
Telephone: 53104742
Email: pstmdnorthcaloocancity@gmail.com
Website: https://caloocancity.gov.ph/pstmd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pstmdcaloocancity
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the Caloocan Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMD), residents, motorists, and visitors can expect order and safety at the city’s roads at all times.
In other parts of the Philippines, similar road authorities are also responsible for managing traffic and transportation. In Calamba, Laguna, for instance, there’s the Traffic Management Division of the city’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO).