QuestionsQuestions (MMDA Resolution NO. 02-33)
The resolution cited MMC Ordinance No. 78-03 (as amended by MMC Ordinance No. 78-03A) and MMDA Regulation No. 96-003 (1996), and stated it was pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7924, which authorizes the MMDA Council to act on matters within its jurisdiction.
After the Metro Manila Council agreed (Oct. 14, 2000) to devolve towing/impounding authority to LGUs, each LGU issued its own guidelines. The Council recognized an urgent need for uniform procedures, prompting adoption of the Revised MMDA Guidelines for all LGUs.
A “stalled vehicle” is any motor vehicle and/or its attachments that cannot proceed under its own motive power for any cause and is on a public road/street/thoroughfare, including dilapidated/junked vehicles in Metro Manila.
A vehicle is illegally parked if parked in areas prohibited by law or ordinance for parking, or in zones designated as “NO PARKING” by MMDA and/or LGUs. The text specifically enumerates prohibited areas (e.g., within certain meters of intersections, driveways of specified establishments, fire hydrants, crosswalks, sidewalks not intended for parking, near bridges, and other officially posted no-parking zones).
Attended illegally parked vehicle: the driver is present or would appear prior to actual clamping to the tow truck and is willing/able to move the vehicle without delay. Unattended: it does not meet the attended definition.
No. The guidelines state that attended illegally parked vehicles shall not be towed but the driver shall be immediately issued a TVR.
The vehicle shall be towed and a TVR shall be issued immediately upon arrival at the impounding area (under the guidelines’ Section 6.2.2).
The flat-tired vehicle must be moved to the emergency lane on its own if possible; otherwise, it will be towed, and in either case a TVR will be issued. The guidelines also prohibit changing flat tires on the roadway.
It may be towed to the nearest gasoline station. The towing fee must be paid to the tow truck in accordance with the number of kilometers from the point of origin to the gasoline station, and a TVR is issued to the driver.
It may be towed in cases where the driver deliberately refuses to remove the vehicle or cannot move it due to absence of equipment or other circumstances beyond his control, with a TVR issued to the driver.
Illegally parked vehicles already clamped to the tow truck shall not be subject for intercession by the owner or representatives of the company’s tow truck.
The tow service has the primary responsibility to remove the vehicle within the shortest time possible, but shall not exceed 15 minutes from the time it received the report or directive.
Immediately call the MMDA METROBASE, provide required information (plate number, type/color, vehicle condition/description, tow truck name/plate/address/phone, and designated impounding area/location). METROBASE verifies registration, records in the METROBASE official logbook, assigns a control number, pre-numbering pages and requiring validation/notation for recording errors.
It indicates that the tow crew may proceed with towing; without the go signal/instruction, towing should not be undertaken under the procedural framework described.
The refusal is disregarded for notice purposes, and the apprehending officer must place a notation in the notice that the owner refused to accept before the vehicle is towed.
The driver must blow the truck’s horn five (5) times twice in a row with a one-minute interval. If the owner does not respond, the vehicle will be towed.
Traffic enforcement may stop the tow truck for questioning, verify with METROBASE whether the towing incident was reported and whether the tow truck is duly authorized. If not authorized, it is considered illegal/colorum operation: the operator may be charged, a TVR issued, and the tow truck impounded.
Towing fees (standard rates): (1) Trucks with gross capacity weight of 4,000 kilos and above: P1,200.00 (or plus the standard towing fee as stated). (2) Cars, jeeps, and pick-ups under 4,000 kilos: P800.00. The text also states an additional standard towing fee collectible subject to rates: trucks 4,000+ kg P1,400.00; cars/jeeps/pick-ups <4,000 kg P1,000.00.