STIFFER penalties are up for traffic violators.

On third and final reading, the city council on Monday, August 19, approved the amendment of the Comprehensive Traffic and Transportation Ordinance of Baguio City, making fines and penalties for violations higher.

Councilor Benny Bomogao pushed for its passage, saying the old law was outdated as it was crafted in 1984.

“The law was crafted a long time ago, may diperansya na, nakita natin na we need to increase fines in accordance to existing times,” Bomogao said.

Bomogao said illegal parking is now fined at P500 following the approved amendment from the measly P150 penalty.

The law will be immediately implemented after Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan signs it with their approval and a mandatory 15-day publication in a newspaper.

“Compared talaga sa ibang lugar (to other areas), tayo [sa Baguio] ang pinaka mababa (we have the lowest) and this is the thrust of the new leadership of the city to have the strict implantation of traffic rules and regulations,” Bomogao added.

Bomogao said the measure went through public consultations and the increases stipulated were the most acceptable to the public.

The local lawmaker said the most common violation is illegal parking and obstruction and noted the fine for drinking under the influence of liquor has also increased from P300 to P2,000 while damage to persons and property is also now at P5,000.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has long before asked to increase the fines and have a stricter enforcement of the anti-obstruction law.

BCPO also reported 46,854 apprehensions for traffic violations in the city with 18,347 for this year alone.