Councilor Eric Salcedo, chairman of the Committee on Public Utilities, is set to propose an amendment to the ordinance concerning colorum bao-bao operating in the city.
He plans to increase the penalties from the current P1,500 fine and three-month vehicle impoundment for a first offense to six months of impoundment for a second offense, and nine months of impoundment plus an additional P5,000 fine for a third offense.
According to Salcedo, because the penalties imposed on traffic violators are too low, bao-bao owners repeatedly commit the same violations. Under the city’s ordinance, violators can also request a 30% discount on their fine and perform community service, leaving them with only a small amount to pay.
Because of this problem, the committee will study amendments to the city’s Traffic Code for this purpose, with the changes expected to be implemented starting October this year.
Councilor Eric Salcedo is optimistic that the proposed measures will help curb and reduce the number of colorum passenger vehicles operating in the city. (MLRapanot/SP)
