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Readers sent us guide on how to contest huge Go Manila penalties

Share this with friends who are being stressed by hefty fines

The idea is to settle the original amount of the penalty. PHOTO FROM BRIX LUCIS CAELUM

For the better part of the past week, we’ve been bombarded with angry messages complaining about the digital services of Manila City, which can be availed via a portal called Go Manila. In particular, people are ranting about the penalties levied on them due to their traffic violations.

In summary, motorists end up with big fines after not being able to settle the penalties for a long time. And why are violators not able to take care of the fees in a prompt manner? Well, it’s because they follow the advice of the traffic enforcers, which is to just download the Go Manila app and register their tickets on the app. This way, they’re told, they no longer have to waste their time going to the City Hall—they only need to settle everything online. Who wouldn’t be enticed by this promise of convenience, right?

Surprise! SCREENSHOT FROM BRIX LUCIS CAELUM

There’s just one problem: The app doesn’t give them an update after accommodating the ticket details. It just tells them that it’s…PENDING. Which is what the app keeps telling them even after months of checking.

Like many things in this country, this usually doesn’t work. SCREENSHOT FROM BRIX LUCIS CAELUM

Take the story of reader Brix Lucis Caelum, who sent us the top photo:

“I was apprehended on July 13, 2024, for disregarding the traffic sign. The traffic enforcer told me—so I would no longer go to the City Hall—to just download the Go Manila app. Which was what I did the following day. And I was able to upload my ticket. To my surprise, the message I kept getting was that it was for checking even after many days. Finally, on January 20, 2025, I received a message telling me that my ticket had a total penalty amounting to P7,300. So I went to the City Hall today. The staff helped me in talking to the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau. I was able to settle the original fine of P1,000.”

Relax. There is a way out of this. SCREENSHOT FROM MIGS AÑONUEVO

Another reader, Migs Añonuevo, shares these tips for settling an Ordinance Violation Receipt:

• File your complaint with the MTPB’s Adjudication Board at Room 350, 3rd Floor, Manila City Hall. Look for Aries Dela Cruz.

• Bring a photocopy of your OVR ticket.

• Print a copy of the transaction history, including the date when you were able to upload your OVR ticket on the Go Manila app.

• Be early as many people are expected to show up for this same purpose.

• If you have complete and verifiable proof, they will waive the extra penalties.

“Note na super haba ang pila for payment,” Añonuevo adds. Sabi, nasa ground floor. Then sabi naman ng nasa ground, sa SM Manila raw. Super crowded and feeling ko aabutan ako ng cutoff sa tagal, kaya gumawa ako ng paraan. I paid through 7-Eleven! Walang pila doon; pa-assist na lang sa cashier kasi medyo nakakalito ang machine.”

If you feel extremely hassled after reading this, we can’t blame you. That comes with the territory of living in the Philippines. But at least, you now know what to do. Good luck.



Vernon B. Sarne

Vernon is the founder and editor-in-chief of VISOR. He has been an automotive journalist since July 1995. He became one by serendipity, walking into the office of a small publishing company and applying for a position he had no idea was for a local car magazine. God has watched over him throughout his humble journey. He writes the ‘Spoiler’ column.



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