• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod sent back to the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) for stakeholder consultation its proposal to increase the fun run permit fee.
Councilor Caesar Distrito noted July 23 that while an update to the current rates is necessary, the proposed amounts are too steep.
“While I recognize that the current P100 permit fee is already outdated and that there is, indeed, a need to review and update the existing schedule of fees, I believe that the proposed increases are excessive and require broader consultation,” he stressed.
The BTTMD has sought to replace the long-standing P100 permit fee with a new rate ranging from P10,000 to P100,000, as well as extra charges, such as environmental fee, safety inspection fee, and performance bond.
The SP said the Bacolod Traffic Authority Council (BTAC), chaired by the city mayor, is the more appropriate body to first study the matter.
“Through the Council, all concerned stakeholders, including government agencies, organizers, and other affected sectors, can be given the opportunity to deliberate and formulate a balanced and reasonable recommendation,” he added.
The SP Committee on Ways and Means recommended that the proposal be returned to the BTTMD so that the BTAC can convene and draft a well-considered fee structure.
Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairperson of the SP Committee on Laws, Ordinance, and Governance, meanwhile, said the BTTMD has bypassed proper procedure.
“I think the BTTMD is confused with its role. Their role is to implement traffic and transportation rules in Bacolod City,” Espino stressed. | TMD
