MMDA Revives 5-Minute Hotline to Speed Up Road Crash Response

Motorists involved in minor road crashes across Metro Manila are being encouraged to seek immediate assistance through the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s reactivated hotline, (02) 136.

Speaking at a press briefing in Malacañang, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III announced the relaunch of Metrobase 136, a public response system aimed at cutting down delays in on-road assistance and easing traffic buildup caused by unresolved incidents.

“Within five minutes, a human operator will answer your call,” Torre said.

He added that traffic constables are expected to reach reported incident sites within the same timeframe under the agency’s updated response protocol.

Under the restructured system, Metrobase personnel will begin reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the reported accident as soon as a call is received, even as an enforcer is being dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, the responding officer will be able to provide a digital copy of the relevant CCTV footage to the concerned parties through their social media accounts.

Authorities said the initiative is designed to prevent prolonged disputes between motorists at crash sites, which often lead to traffic congestion and even road rage incidents.

While the 136 hotline has existed for years, the MMDA noted that its reactivation aims to increase public awareness and improve coordination between its command center and field units.

The five-minute response policy will apply to major public roads under MMDA jurisdiction, including radial and circumferential routes across Metro Manila.