Proposal to reinstate fine-sharing scheme under review

THE reinstatement of the fine-sharing provision of the Traffic Code of Cagayan de Oro is now being proposed by Councilor Teodulfo E. Lao, chair of the City Council committee on public utilities.

Section 210 of Ordinance No.10551-2007 provides for the apportioning or sharing of the proceeds of administrative and judicial fines collected from or paid by violators of the city’s traffic rules and regulations who opted to settle violations administratively. It was however repealed by Ordinance No. 12931-2015 for the reason that it was a source of abuse by some traffic enforcers.

While pushing for the repeal of Ordinance No. 12931-2015, Lao said the incentive resulted in the strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations and other regulatory ordinances.

Lao also cited that it is imperative to reinstate the incentive scheme to focus on serving its original purpose of giving a reward to apprehending individuals.

On concerns regarding abuses of traffic enforcers, the councilor said there is a provision in the traffic code for an adjudication board where drivers can always go to file their complaints.

After discussions, the proposal was referred back to the committee on public utilities for further review.