Updated with a statement from Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 19) — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) cannot be selective in apprehending traffic violators as requested by House Majority Leader Rudy Fariñas.
MMDA Spokesperson Celine Pialago said on Tuesday that exempting lawmakers from traffic rules are in the hands of Metro Manila mayors.
“MMDA cannot exempt anyone from the law because we don’t have the power to do so. Ang MMDA po taga-implement lang,” she said in a text message to CNN Philippines.
Fariñas on Monday asked the MMDA to excuse lawmakers from minor traffic violations — such as hitting a pedestrian and causing minor injuries — when they are on their way to Congress for a session.
The MMDA encouraged Fariñas to formalize his request by sending a letter to the Office of the Chairman stating the scope of his request. The 17 Metro Manila mayors will have to approve the request before it can be implemented.
Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate disagreed with the proposal to grant lawmakers immunity from traffic violations, saying this results in a double standard in law implementation.
“Lalo nitong patitingkarin na may ibang batas para sa may kapangyarihan at sa karaniwang tao. Dapat ay maging huwaran ang mga mambabatas para tuparin ang mga ito,” he said in a statement.
[Translation: This will only highlight the idea that implementation of the law is different for ordinary citizens and for those in power. Lawmakers should set a good example.]
Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said President Rodrigo Duterte does not seek special treatment and the Palace is hoping their colleagues in Congress will do the same.
“The President himself continues to observe a modest lifestyle and he seeks no special treatment whether inside or outside the Palace. We hope our colleagues in Congress, especially our allies can bring themselves to do the same,” he said on Tuesday.
Abella said the law “should be blind to all.”
The MMDA is an office under the executive branch. When asked if Malacañang will direct the traffic agency to reject Fariñas’ request, Abella said no action on the issue has been taken yet.
Farinas clarified that such immunity only applies when Congress is in session. If a lawmaker commits a major violation, such as murder, he should be detained and investigated.
Farinas invoked parliamentary immunity or privilege from arrest in making the request. Under the 1987 Constitution, legislators can be exempted from arrest for offenses punishable by six years or less of imprisonment while Congress is in session.
“Bakit nasa Constitution? Itong mga taong ito hindi mo pwede abalahin o arestuhin pag nagse-session kami. Kasi kami po ang representatives ng Filipino people,” he said.
[Translation: Why is it in the Constitution that you cannot bother or arrest these people during sessions? Because we are the representatives of the Filipino people.]
