Manila: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday upgraded and intensified the promotion of its Metrobase 136 hotline, vowing a five-minute response time to road emergencies along major thoroughfares under its jurisdiction.

According to Philippines News Agency, MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre III, during a press briefing in Malaca±ang, announced that motorists can dial (02) 136 for immediate assistance in cases of minor collisions, stalled vehicles, or other traffic-related incidents. The upgraded system now integrates faster coordination between on-ground responders and Metrobase operators stationed at the MMDA command center in Julia Vargas, Pasig City.

While traffic enforcers are en route, Metrobase personnel immediately review and extract closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of the reported incident, Torre explained. "We will just ask for your social media so we can send you the accident clip and clear the area within 10 minutes," Torre stated, emphasizing the goal of clearing roads promptly to prevent further congestion.

The CCTV footage may assist parties involved in determining liability and facilitating insurance claims, thus reducing prolonged roadside negotiations that contribute to traffic congestion. Torre clarified that the 136 hotline has been operational for years but is now being highlighted to improve public awareness.

He assured the public that calls are answered by a human operator within five rings and that Metrobase currently has sufficient manpower to handle incoming reports. "We have sufficient right now," Torre said.