Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers direct the flow of motorists along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Thursday morning. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) clarified on Wednesday that the Supreme Court ruling on the single ticketing system is not yet final and executory.

In a press conference, MMDA Chairman Romando "Don" Artes said its finality is not stated in the SC decision. 

Artes said there are available legal remedies for Local Government Units in the National Capital Region as respondents in this case. 

"Ito po ay hindi pa final and executory. Sa atin pong mga kababayan na motorista, kung kayo po ay huhulihin ng mga local traffic enforcers, huwag po tayong makipagtalo at i-argue na sabi ng Korte Suprema ay bawal na kayong manghuli at mag-issue ng ticket… Sa ngayon puwede pa pong manghuli ang mga local traffic enforcers dito sa Metro Manila," said Artes.

READ: SC reminds LGUs can't issue traffic violation receipts unless deputized by MMDA

The MMDA chief admits that they are happy with the SC decision that recognized the legislative powers of the agency through Metro Manila Council in passing resolutions regarding traffic regulations in the National Capital Region. 

"Sa totoo lang happy kami don sa decision, kasi it recognized yung power namin to legislate in so far as traffic is concerned. In fact, puwede namin ito magamit dun sa pagbabawal sa bus station sa EDSA," Artes said. 

Artes added the MMDA would meet members of the Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Tuesday to iron out the issue. 

He said the agency is willing to deputize local traffic enforcers as long as they will follow the process including the seminar and examination. 

LGUs, according to Artes, have the option to file their motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court. 

READ: MMDA to meet Metro Manila Council to iron out single ticketing implementation

In a text message, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra told ABS-CBN News that the ball is now in the hands of the LGUs concerned. 

Guevarra said the OSG will study the SC ruling and will discuss the matter with MMDA, DOTr and LTO. 

"The LGUs in this case were represented by their respective legal officers. On the other hand, the MMDA, the DOTr, and the LTO were represented by the OSG. Given the tenor of the decision, the ball is now in the hands of the LGUs concerned. The OSG does not represent local government units, they have their own legal officers to handle their court cases," Guevarra said.