By Paulo Loreto Lim

The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) recently passed, on its second reading, an ordinance seeking to increase fines for those who violate the city’s jaywalking regulation.
The ordinance, authored by City Councilor Caesar Distrito, increases first offense fines from P100 to P300 or one day of community service, second offense from P200 to P500 or two days of community service, and third offense from P300 to P1,000 or five days of community service.
Additionally, in order to avoid legal action, violators will be required to pay within seven days or, if they opt for community service, one day is equivalent to eight office hours.
However, Distrito noted the ordinance would only be enforced on streets designated by the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), indicated by warning signs and crosswalks.
“Pedestrians crossing on streets with no warning signs and pedestrian lanes cannot be apprehended,” he stated.
The city councilor added, in reference to the RA 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, minors below the age of 15 cannot be charged, however, penalties for those between the ages of 15 and 18 will be determined by a local prosecutor./WDJ