The Negros Oriental Provincial Highway Patrol Team (HPT) is recommending the review and possible amendment of Dumaguete City’s traffic ordinance for a stronger and streamlined enforcement of road use regulations.
HPT provincial chief, PEMS Aurelio Bodo, told the Philippine News Agency Jan. 8 that their team met with the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Transport and Public Safety Wednesday afternoon to discuss this.
“My first recommendation is to amend the city’s traffic ordinance so that specific clauses align with the national traffic and transportation regulations,” Bodo said.
Bodo was referring to Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01 that establishes a revised and standardized schedule of fines and penalties for violations of land transportation laws.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC, now DOTr), the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board issued the order in June 2014.
According to Bodo, apprehending authorities in the city impose different fines on violators of a particular regulation, depending on the law or ordinance they are enforcing.
He noted that since they are a national agency, they use a different ticket, which carries a heavier fine than that of a local ordinance.
He cited certain violations, such as the use of unauthorized accessories, like mufflers and headlights, and the removal of side mirrors from motorcycles.
Bodo said many minors are driving around the city without helmets and driver’s licenses.
Another concern is drinking in public places, such as along the boulevard and at Escaño beach.
Bodo also recommended that the city mobilizes its task forces to assist in enforcing traffic-related laws. ||
