MANDAUE City has started to implement a “three-minute rule” for traffic apprehensions beginning Tuesday, July 22, 2025, to minimize bribery incidents.
Under the new rule, traffic enforcers must complete the process from approach to ticketing within three minutes.
The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) said the rule will reduce on-the-spot negotiations between traffic violators and enforcers.
“You must issue the citation within the three-minute rule. If it takes longer than that, there’s a risk that negotiations may occur,” Team head Hyll Retuya said in Cebuano.
Violators of the protocol will face immediate dismissal.
Retuya said this is part of their broader effort to ensure transparency and integrity among their personnel on the ground.
“Traffic enforcers are very prone to accepting bribes,” Retuya said as he acknowledged instances involving some enforcers attempting to strike a deal with drivers.
Retuya said the rule is meant to prevent unnecessary negotiations between traffic enforcers and drivers caught violating the law.
He urged Team enforcers to follow proper protocols and to be firm when issuing violation tickets, as these are official and accountable forms.
“If you’re going to issue (a ticket), do it with confidence. If you’re hesitant or feel sorry for the violator, then don’t issue it at all,” Retuya said.
He said it’s not unusual for some motorists to become confrontational during traffic stops refusing to cooperate. There are also times when a motorist becomes hysterical.
Retuya said if the situation turns hostile, enforcers are instructed to call for support from fellow officers or the police.
“If the driver becomes uncooperative or hysterical, the enforcer is instructed to immediately call for backup to de-escalate the situation,” he said.
Towing
As part of Team’s traffic enforcement strategy, Retuya said towing and impounding operations will be included.
He said Team’s towing truck is immediately dispatched once the command center confirms a case for towing, regardless of whether the vehicle operator has already arranged for rescue.
However, he clarified that the agency has no issue with rescue services arriving ahead, as long as they arrive before Team’s very own tow truck.
Retuya said if the Team tow truck gets to the rescue first, there is nothing the vehicle owner can do.
All apprehensions are monitored through CCTV cameras installed along major thoroughfares, as well as the enforcers’ body-worn cameras.
He said these tools allow Team’s command center to review every interaction and ensure compliance.
Retuya said enforcers caught engaging in bribery or failing to follow protocol will be immediately relieved of their duties.
There are around 300 field traffic enforcers in Mandaue City patrolling the major thoroughfares.
Retuya said since his assumption into office, Team has implemented a zero-tolerance policy on any form of “under-the-table” dealings. / CAV with Ashley Judd Alon, UV Intern and John Mart Mabalhin, VSU Intern