A NEW Davao City councilor wants to penalize pedestrians wearing headphones while crossing the streets.
Councilor Jonard Dayap, on Tuesday, said after the first day regular session of the 19th City Council that he is planning to pass this as an ordinance to ensure the safety of both the pedestrian and the motorist.
"Isa kini sa first legislation na ako iduso this council (This will be the first legislation I will be pushing this 19th Council)," Dayap told reporters.
"Kini man gung gadgets ang usa sa mga main cause sa disgrasya (These gadgets are the main cause of accidents)," the councilor added.
The councilor said he wanted to adopt a similar ordinance from Baguio City. The ordinance in Baguio was approved on third and final reading on June 24.
In a report by Sunstar Baguio, the ordinance known as the Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance of 2018, aims to prohibit pedestrian walkers from using any distractive tools that could lead them to an accident.
Penalties under Baguio's ordinance includes a verbal warning by an assigned officer on the first offense; P1,000 fine and community service for the second offense; P2,000 fine with up to 10 days of community service for the third offense; and P2,500 fine with 11 to 30 days of community service for the fourth offense.
The said the ordinance still needs the signature of Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong. It will be in effect after 15 days, once signed by the mayor.
City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) chief Dionisio Abude said he is favor of passing the ordinance.
"Pabor among opisina ug among suportahan ang maong plano kay para mani sa safety sa mga pedestrian nga malayo sa disgrasya kay kung magbantay ang pedestrian sa iyang pag tabok malikayan ang disgrasya (Our office is in favor and will support for the crafting of the ordinace. This is for the safety of the pedestrians for them to be away from accidents)," Abude told Sunstar Davao.