CITOM executive opposes increase in jaywalking fines

CEBU, Philippines - The executive director of the City Traffic Operations Management has opposed the proposal to increase the fines for jaywalking in Cebu City.

CITOM executive director Rafael Yap surprised the members of the city council yesterday when he voiced his objection to the proposal.

According to Yap, most of the people apprehended for violating the Anti-Jaywalking Ordinance are the students and low earners who could not afford to ride in public transport.

Yap, who is a lawyer, said the penalty for the violators must be commensurate to their violation.

 “We should also remember that our existing minimum pay is only P285 and the proposed fine is even more,” Yap said.

Yap said the proposal also did not pass through the CITOM board as he could not remember the board having deliberated on the proposal of Councilor Richard Osmeña.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña asked Yap to comment on Mayor Michael Rama’s statement that increasing the fines would only encourage corruption among CITOM personnel but Yap did not give an immediate response.

“I don’t believe this will be a source of corruption, this should not even be made a reason,” said Councilor Richard Osmeña in defense of his proposal.

“Mahimo nga atong patas-an ang multa pero dili lang g’yud kaayo daku… pero amo pa kining hisgotan pag-ayo sa ubang mga konsehal,” said Councilor Edgardo Labella, who is also against the increase.

The proposed amendment of the ordinance is to increase the fine from P500 to P1,000 if the concerned violator would choose to settle the matter in court, and from P50 to P200 for the compromise settlement.

Labella supported the argument of Yap that before the strict enforcement of the anti-jaywalking ordinance in the city the traffic authorities should first install the proper road signage.

Brenette Abrenica, a faculty member of the University of San Carlos, described the proposal as “too much” and “anti-poor.”

The proponent believes that increasing the fines for the violators will discourage the public from crossing the streets even when the green light is still on for the vehicles. (FREEMAN)