By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Councilor Dindo Ramos recently introduced an ordinance creating a trust fund for the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), following the implementation of the city’s anti-jaywalking and “No Helmet, No Travel” policies.
During an interview yesterday, Ramos said funds from collected fines are currently going towards the city government general funds. If the ordinance is passed, all funds would go directly to BTAO.
According to the proposal, 20 percent of earnings will go towards roadside assistance, road maintenance, and other social projects; while the remaining 80 percent will fund equipment for traffic enforcers.
Meanwhile, Ramos noted City Councilor Caesar Distrito is currently considering amending the anti-jaywalking ordinance with increased fines for violators, calling the current policy “outdated.”
Ramos also noted a concern with disciplining minor violators, saying they are not able to take part in community service and it is currently unclear if they are subject to pay the required fines if caught./WDJ