Paying a fine for violating traffic rules? Use a phone

TRAFFIC fines and penalties for all types of violations of traffic rules and regulations can now be settled with the use of mobile phones, laptops or personal computers. This was made possible after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) partnered with the Landbank of the Philippines and CIS Bayad Center Inc. and launched a cashless payment system last Tuesday.

“In the age of digitization, cashless payment offers convenience for the clients. With the use of mobile phones and laptops/computers, we can now pay anytime and anywhere without the need to travel. Payment is now made easier and long queues will be avoided as they don’t have to go to the MMDA or any over-thecounter payment centers to pay the fines.” MMDA Chairman Benjamin D. Abalos Jr. said during the project launch. Abalos noted that this mode of payment is convenient and time-saving. With this new system in place, MMDA would also ensure safety of its clients, especially in the midst of a pandemic, he added.

“Contactless payment means less exposure to the public [no contact transaction] and less possibility of acquiring the Covid-19 virus,” Abalos said. Landbank Executive Vice President Julio D. Climaco said that the addition of the MMDA to “the growing roster” of Landbank ’s “Link Biz Portal ” partners nationwide “significantly strengthened the country’s ongoing push for greater financial digitization.”

“This new collaboration proves to be relevant and timely as we all continue to adapt to the new normal. As the MMDA continues to advance initiatives to ease vehicle build-up on the road, our online payment portal will also, in a way, decongest foot traffic in MMDA offices,” Climaco said.

Meanwhile, CIS Bayad Center President and CEO Lawrence Y. Ferrer said the partnership with MMDA would give the agency’s clients more convenient service in terms of paying their obligations.

“The MMDA and Bayad Center have been partners in helping Filipino commuters and motorists settle their fines and penalties in a more convenient, easier way and with this cashless payment solution, we are taking it a notch higher as we provide better service to our kababayans through online and digital channels,” Ferrer said.

On a daily basis, the MMDA is receiving an average of 2,000 traffic fine over-the-counter payments.

The MMDA said that after paying electronically, the payor would see a successful payment transactions post the following day. A service processing fee of P12 for Bayad Center and P15 for Landbank shall also be paid on top of the penalties.

Clients who have overpaid their payment transaction may write a refund request letter to MMDA with proof of payment or official receipt attached, according to government’s traffic manager. The letter should be submitted to the Traffic Ticket Management Division for the preparation of the voucher.

Moreover, the payor needs to ensure the correct ticket number to avoid delays. In case of an invalid or incorrect ticket number, the payment will be tagged as unposted and the client may contact the MMDA Redemption center for payment correction.

Abalos said the MMDA is also open to motorists who would contest their violations and encouraged them to go to the Authority’s Traffic Adjudication Division. “If you think that you did not commit any violation, you could go to the MMDA office and appeal. Our adjudicators will then decide to either uphold or cancel the apprehension,” he added.

Aside from Landbank and Bayad Center, clients may also pay through Bayad Center partners such as Gcash, Grabpay and Paymaya. Other payment options include credit, debit and prepaid cards.

Abalos is hopeful that this initiative can also be done in other areas within Metro Manila, with the added help of all the local government units and the private sector.