The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) performs various functions, including transportation-related services. However, even though it encompasses the regional government of Metro Manila, each city still has its own traffic management office or bureau.
In Muntinlupa City, for example, there’s the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB). Tasked with the goal of maintaining efficient flow of traffic in the city, this bureau carries out a wide range of services. It also ensures that motorists and commuters follow traffic rules and regulations, in line with the city’s ordinances.
What is MTMB?
The Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) is mandated to formulate rules and regulations, plan, and design programs related to effective traffic management, systematized, and improved traffic situation in Muntinlupa City.
Vision and Mission
Based on its official website, the MTMB envisions Muntinlupa City as “free from traffic congestion and obstruction, particularly within the main thoroughfares of its Central Business District (CBD), that will spur multiplier effects to its economic growth and to nearby areas.”
Meanwhile, the MTMB’s mission is “to systematize traffic control and direction by synchronizing Traffic Engineering, Traffic Education, and Traffic Enforcement for fast, efficient, and safe land travel.”
Strategic Goal
Strategically speaking, the main goal of the MTMB is to maintain efficient flow of traffic within the main thoroughfares of Muntinlupa City, especially during rush hours. It seeks to achieve this through the systematic application of the “three E’s” or “three pillars” of Traffic Engineering, Traffic Education, and Traffic Enforcement.
Traffic Engineering. This pillar deals with the planning and geometric designs of streets and traffic control devices, with relation to traffic operations.
Traffic Education. This pillar is focused on the teaching and training of motorists, commuters, pedestrians, and the general public. It seeks to transform them into courteous, disciplined, and competent road users.
Traffic Enforcement. This pillar involves traffic direction, traffic control, traffic investigation and apprehension, and other functions performed by the police and other agencies with authority to include voluntary compliance.
Services Provided
The Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau provides several services through its Administrative Division, Engineering Devision, Traffic Regulatory Unit, and Education Division.
By Administrative Division
1. Issuance of Traffic Clearance for Trucks Passing Through Alabang Viaduct
This service is given to business truck owners, providing them with traffic clearance to pass through the Alabang Viaduct, in accordance with City Ordinance 11-022.
2. Issuance of Traffic Clearance for the Purpose of Securing Business Permits for Junk Shops, Vulcanizing Shops, Auto and Motor Repair Shops, Transport Groups (Accreditation/Renewal), and the like
In accordance with City Ordinance 09-089, this service is offered to business establishments, companies, and transport groups — providing traffic clearance for the purpose of securing business permits.
3. Redemption of Confiscated Driver’s License, Car Plates, and Other Related Documents
This service is given to clients who have already paid their fines based on the Metro Manila Harmonized Fine and Penalties City Ordinance No. 15-135, for the purpose of redeeming their confiscated driver’s license, car plate, and other documents.
4. Motorcycle Escort Assistant (Motorcade, Funeral, and Other Special Occasions)
This service is provided to those who request for motorcycle escort assistance, for the purpose of guiding traffic or conveying cars during a motorcade, funeral, and other special occasions.
By Engineering Division
5. Issuance of Traffic Clearance for Private Transport Groups to Move Equipment and/or Load with Excessive Weight, Width, or Height
As per City Ordinance No. 09-89, and in consonance with City ordinance No. 04-022, Sec. 22, Sec. 92 – Muntinlupa Traffic Code, this service provides traffic clearance for private transport groups to move equipment and/or load that has excessive weight, width, or height. It is issued to companies and transport groups.
6. Issuance of Traffic Clearance for Water Service Connection
This service gives traffic clearance for water service connection to companies and contractors, for the purpose of affirming that their business is in accordance with City Ordinance 09-089.
7. Issuance of Traffic Clearance for Installation and Excavation Projects
Also in relation to City Ordinance 09-089, this service provides traffic clearance to companies and contractors for their installation and excavation projects.
By Traffic Regulatory Unit
8. Issuance of Muntinlupa Tricycle Operator’s Permit and Franchise
As the name says, this service provides the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operator’s Permit to tricycle operators, based on City Ordinance 96-66.
9. Redemption of Confiscated Driver’s License, Motor Vehicle Plate, and Other Related Documents
In accordance with Muntinlupa City Ordinance 96-66, this service facilitates the redemption of confiscated driver’s licenses, car plates, and other related documents, provided that the client has already paid his/her fines.
By Education Division
10. Filing a Complaint
In cases where a client or traffic violator has a complaint, issue, or concern regarding a specific traffic enforcer or traffic incident, this can be resolved by filing a complaint through the MTMB’s Education Division. The client must provide the time, place, and personnel involved in the incident.
11. Traffic Adjudication Board
Meanwhile, in cases where a raised concern is not settled in the MTMB Office and requires a more legal explanation, the client and personnel involved need to face the Traffic Adjudication Board.
Traffic Rules and Prohibitions
Notably, here are some of the traffic rules and prohibitions that are implemented in Muntinlupa City:
Obstruction of Roads and Sidewalks (City Ordinance No. 04-022, Sec. 120). This involves the clearing or removal of illegal vendors, to help ease traffic flow and ensure the safe passage of pedestrians.
No Safety Helmet for Motorcyclists (City Ordinance No. 04-022, Sec. 115). Motorcyclists are required to wear safety helmets while driving, not only to protect them from injury but also to help them focus when on the road.
Parking and Waiting in Prohibited Areas (City ordinance 04-022, Sec. 41). These acts are prohibited to prevent road obstruction, eliminate the risk of theft, and protect vehicles from scratches, vandalism, and rust.
Unauthorized Counterflow (City Ordinance No. 15-135). This is prohibited to ease traffic flow, improve road discipline, and prevent motorists from endangering themselves and others.
Disregarding Pedestrian Crossing (City Ordinance No. 04-022, Sec. 105). This act is prohibited to improve road discipline, enable pedestrians to cross safely, and prevent motorists from putting themselves and others in danger.
Driving Without License (City Ordinance No. 04-022, Section 97a). This act is prohibited to help improve road discipline, promote a safer traffic environment, and prevent vehicles from getting towed and impounded.
Driving Tricycles on National Roads (City Ordinance 04-022, Section 73F). This act is prohibited to help ease the traffic flow, prevent tricycle-related accidents, and discourage out-of-route and unregistered tricycles.
Traffic Fines Online Payment
For those who have been charged with a traffic violation and need to pay their fine, you can do so by going to the MTMB Online Apprehension Payment Portal. Simply enter your Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) number on the screen and follow the instructions to online payment of your fine.
Contact Information: MTMB
Questions, complaints, and concerns to the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau may be addressed to the following details:
Address: 3rd Floor, South Park Center, Ayala Mall, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Email: officialmtmb@gmail.com
Website: https://muntinlupacity.gov.ph/departments-offices/muntinlupa-traffic-management-bureau/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialMTMB/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
The Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) helps to ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the city. This way, the safety of everyone — motorists, commuters, and pedestrians — is also ensured.
Elsewhere in the Philippines, other traffic management authorities are also hard at work everyday. One of these is the Iloilo City Traffic Management Unit (ICTMU). Check out this article to read all about it!