Malabon is a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, with a population of more than 380,500 people as of 2020. In particular, it is part of what is often called the CAMANAVA area, which consists of the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.
The City of Malabon is known for cultural and heritage sites like the 400-year-old San Bartolome Church, Ibaviosa House, and Raymundo House. People also come to visit the popular Malabon Zoo and Aquarium. Everyday, jeepneys, buses, and private vehicles traverse the city’s streets. Traffic is managed by the Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO), which operates in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
What is the PSTMO?
The Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) is the government office in charge of managing traffic and ensuring road safety in the City of Malabon.
Vision and Mission
The PSTMO’s functions go in line with the vision and mission of the Malabon City Government, as follows:
Vision. “Tanyag sa mayamang kultura at ipinagmamalaki ang kaniyang hitik at makulay na kasaysayan, tahanan ng mabuti at maka-Diyos na taga-Malabon na may mataas na antas ng pamumuhay, bunga ng mayabong na ekonomiya, luntian at ligtas na kapaligiran, angkop na imprastraktura at mahusay na pamamahalang nagtataguyod ng pag-unlad upang ipamana sa susunod na salinlahi.”
(A city rich in culture, proud of its colorful heritage; home of good and God-fearing people who have a high standard of living, brought about by a thriving economy, a healthy and safe environment, appropriate infrastructure, and effective governance that pursues progress, in order to pass it on to the next generations.)
Mission. “Malabon… AHON. Tutugunan ang pangangailangan. Tulong-tulong, walang maiiwan sa pagsulong!”
(RISE… Malabon. Responding to people’s needs. Working together towards progress, no one shall be left behind!)
Single Ticketing System
Since April 1, 2024, the Single Ticketing System has been enforced in Malabon, in adherence to City Ordinance #03-2023, “An Ordinance Adopting MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, Series of 2023.” This system follows the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which aims to standardize existing national and local laws on traffic, to achieve effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.
Among the laws that are currently being enforced in Malabon is the Truck Ban, along with other common violations and penalties.
Truck Ban
Malabon implements a Truck Ban from Mondays to Saturdays (except for Sundays and Holidays). Trucks are prohibited from entering the city from 6:00 am to 10:00 am, and from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm on these days. The purpose of the Truck Ban is to help ensure road safety and decongest traffic during these hours.
Violations and Penalties
Meanwhile, here are some of common traffic violations and penalties that are being implemented in Malabon:
- Violation of number coding scheme – PHP 500
- Violation of tricycle ban – PHP 500
- Violation of traffic signs – PHP 1,000
- Illegal parking (with driver) – PHP 1,000
- Obstruction – PHP 1,000
- Reckless driving – PHP 1,000 (first offense) / PHP 2,000 (second offense) / PHP 2,000 + seminar (third offense)
- Not using Child Restraint System (CRS) – PHP 1,000 (first offense) / PHP 2,000 (second offense) / PHP 5,000 (third offense)
- Using substandard CRS – PHP 1,000 (first offense) / PHP 3,000 (second offense) / PHP 5,000 (third offense)
- No helmet (for motorcycle drivers) – PHP 1,500 (first offense) / PHP 3,000 (second offense) / PHP 5,000 (third offense) / PHP 10,000 (fourth offense)
- Illegal parking (without driver) – PHP 2,000
- Violation of truck ban – PHP 2,000
- Use of helmet without ICC markings – PHP 3,000 (first offense) / PHP 5,000 (second offense)
- Violation of Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act – PHP 3,000 (first offense) / PHP 5,000 (second offense) / PHP 10,000 (third offense)
Daily Activities
Furthermore, the PSTMO conducts daily activities, such as traffic assistance, clearing operations, and verification of vehicles’ licenses. Here are some instances, based on the office’s Facebook page:
Traffic Assistance
Last October 21, 2024, the PSTMO assisted the Metro Waste Truck at Muzon Bridge, Barangay Baritan, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and orderly pick up of waste in the area.
Likewise, on November 9, the PSTMO provided traffic assistance at General Luna Street corner Rizal Avenue, Barangay San Agustin, due to the road construction in the area. More recently, on November 13, they did the same in M.H. Del Pilar Street, Barangay Santulan, where a road was also under construction.
Clearing Operations
Everyday, the PSTMO conducts clearing operations in different parts of the city, apprehending drivers of illegally parked vehicles, which include motorcycles, jeepneys, e-trikes, and private vehicles. They are also constantly warning vendors, reminding them not to obstruct the city’s streets and sidewalks.
From time to time, the PSTMO holds joint operations with other road authorities. Last November 11, the Malabon PSTMO worked together with the Caloocan PSTMD in conducting clearing operations at Langaray Street, boundary of Malabon and Caloocan.
Verification of Stickers and Licenses
The PSTMO regularly conducts verification of stickers and licenses, especially among tricycle drivers and e-trike drivers. Private e-trikes are not allowed to operate as public utility vehicles.
Traffic Advisories
The PSTMO issues traffic advisories, especially when there’s an accident, road construction, or rehabilitation. Based on the office’s Facebook page, here are some cases:
Accidents/Incidents
Last August 18, 2023, for example, the PSTMO advised motorists to avoid passing through P. Aquino, Barangay Tonsuya, since a truck had collided with a post, which fell on the road. Also last year, in November, the PSTMO told motorists to avoid C4 Road Corner Manapat Street, since a truck had broken down there. In both cases, alternative routes were given to motorists.
Construction and Rehabilitation
Meanwhile, from November 8 to 10 this year, several portions of General Luna Avenue were closed due to repair and rehabilitation of the road by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The PSTMO advised motorists to use alternative routes instead.
Contact Information: Malabon City Hall
If you have any questions or concerns for the PSTMO, you can get in touch with them through the Malabon City Hall, using the following contact details:
Address: F. Sevilla Blvd., Malabon, Metro Manila
Telephone: (0632) 814 999
Website: http://malabon.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MalabonCityPSTMO/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As one of the highly urbanized and populated cities of Metro Manila, Malabon is no stranger to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours or when there’s a road project. Fortunately, the Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) is here to provide traffic assistance, enforce traffic laws, and ensure safety on the road.
In other parts of Metro Manila, there are similar road authorities, as well. Check out this article to learn more about the Traffic and Transport Management Department (TTMD) of Quezon City.