MMDA admits enforcer error in 'Not For Hire' viral video

Last week, motorist Jay Paulino shared his experience being flagged down by an MMDA’s traffic enforcer for a “Not For Hire” traffic violation. Paulino was driving his Toyota Tamaraw loaded with cargo when he was apprehended. He posted the incident live on social media and it has since gone viral.

The incident quickly fueled online debate, with opinions divided. Some netizens sided with the enforcer, contending that Paulino’s privately registered Tamaraw, a utility vehicle, inherently carries the potential for abuse by being offered for commercial hire, which then requires an LTFRB franchise. Conversely, others argued that if the vehicle was exclusively for Paulino’s private cargo, it fell outside the scope of “for hire” violations.

According to MMDA Chairman, Atty. Don Artes, the agency's traffic enforcer, was wrong on this incident, and utility vehicles, like pick-ups and SUVs, are not required to put a ‘Not For Hire’ sign. However, Chairman Artes said that the correct traffic citation should have been for "colorum" had the motorist been transporting cargo for someone else.

_{MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes}

“Ang violation po niyan hindi po ‘Not For Hire’. Ang violation po ay colorum. Hindi lamang po siguro nakikinig yung aming enforcer noong itinuro ito sa kanya, kaya hindi maipaliwanag kung ano yung violation. We will admit, mali po yung aming enforcer,” said Artes.

(The violation of that is not ‘Not For Hire’. The violation is "colorum." Perhaps our enforcer was just not listening when this was taught to him, and that's why he couldn't explain what the violation was. We will admit, our enforcer was wrong.)

The term "colorum" is uniquely used in the Philippines to describe a public utility vehicle or transport vehicle without the proper franchise.

In the video, Paulino was questioning the legitimacy of the MMDA enforcer’s apprehension, to which the enforcer replied “Kailangan mong lagyan ng ‘Not For Hire’ kasi ginagamit mo sa business yan.” (You need to put ‘Not For Hire’ because you’re using that for business.)

Artes clarified that he had already issued a memorandum in 2024 to address potential corruption and harassment concerning ‘Colorum’ violations. Artes explained that not all MMDA enforcers are authorized to apprehend vehicles solely for administrative violations like ‘Colorum.’

“As early as 2024, I already issued a directive stating that not all [enforcers] are authorized to apprehend for administrative violations, particularly Colorum. We have a special unit that is permitted to operate in such cases unless there’s an initial traffic violation. Meaning [for example], if someone beats a red light, is apprehended, and is found with cargo, then the enforcer can inspect if the person is operating as a ‘Colorum’ vehicle,” said Artes.

Artes further indicated that the MMDA will file appropriate charges against the enforcer involved in the recent incident, which could ultimately lead to his termination from service.