- CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved four resolutions proposed by Councilor Claudio “Kalaw” Puentevella, all in line with the MassKara Festival celebration next month.
Puentevella, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health and Sanitation, requested Ramil Palalon, head of the Department of Public Services, through the Office of the City Mayor, to place adequate portalets and trash bins in various event venues.
He also requested the Land Transportation Office, through Bacolod chief Renato Novero, to intensify the enforcement of Republic Act 10568, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, in Bacolod.
“It is expected that during the MassKara Festival, numerous tourists and residents will consume alcohol in various establishments within the City,” Puentevella said.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and other intoxicated substances would impair a driver’s perception and reduce the ability to judge distance, speed, and the movement of other vehicles, which can cause fatal road accidents, and is detrimental to the safety of the general public, hence the need for LTO personnel to intensify the enforcement of RA 10568.
The councilor also asked the Bacolod City Police Office to intensify the campaign against the indiscriminate selling or distribution of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes to minors, as he noted that City Ordinance 450, series of 2007, prohibits and penalizes the sale of liquor, beer or other intoxicants to person/s below 18 years of age.
The BCPO, through its director, Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, was also told to intensify the enforcement of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and to prevent the sale, use, and distribution of party drugs and other illegal contraband during the 43rd MassKara Festival staging.
“The upcoming festival will attract hundreds of visitors and tourists, which may provide an avenue for drug peddlers to sell and distribute party drugs,” so intensified police operations should be done to prevent such offense that is detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of all, Puentevella added./CGC
