MANILA - Motorists can now file their traffic citation contests virtually as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) launched an online filing platform for those who have been apprehended for traffic-related violations.

In a news release Friday, the agency said those who have been given a traffic citation ticket shall fill out an online complaint form via Google form and upload necessary documents such as Unified Ordinance Violation Receipt (UOVR), driver's license, and the vehicle's Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR).

Within three working days, the MMDA-Traffic Adjudication Division (TAD), which is in charge of hearing complaints filed by contesting motorists apprehended for violating traffic laws, rules, and/or regulations and issued OVR by traffic enforcers, will contact the client for pre-processing of the contest. The pre-processing is the preliminary phase where TAD assesses the basis and/or merit of the complaint, as well as propriety of attachments.

After the pre-processing, should the client decide to pursue the contest, it will be scheduled for hearing after confirmation of the availability of the concerned parties (complainant, enforcer, and hearing officer).

Hearings will be conducted face-to-face to validate the submitted documents. The release of the resolution can be made either physically or via email, also upon the request of the complainant.

In case of unfavorable resolution, the complainant can physically file a motion for reconsideration (MR) addressed to the head of TAD and can likewise physically file an appeal addressed to the MMDA Chairman should there be an unfavorable resolution of the MR.

Protests can be filed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, while those that have been file beyond 5 p.m. will be entertained on the next working day.

Through the online filing, there will be a decrease in exposure of both the complainant and the MMDA personnel in accordance with the prevailing health protocols. It will also lessen the instance of filing a contest with incomplete documents since there are required fields in the form.

The agency warned that uploading inappropriate documents/attachments shall disqualify the client from further using the electronic platform.

Should they wish to pursue their case, they have to proceed to the TAD office at the agency's headquarters in Makati.

Meanwhile, MMDA acting chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said the online filing of contests is limited, in the meantime, to physical traffic apprehensions.

Apprehensions via the MMDA's No-Contact Apprehension Policy will not be covered and entertained in the online platform pending the final decision of the Supreme Court on the NCAP.

"The agency is continuously finding ways to improve its services through technology for the convenience of public," said Dimayuga.

The online form can be accessed through this link: https://bit.ly/3J62YhH. (PR)