City Council wants clarity on checkpoint operations

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council is seeking clarity on the parameters when manning checkpoints.

The council would like to know why only motorcycles are being flagged down while four-wheeled vehicles are exempted.

This measure stemmed from the privilege speech made by Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover during the council's regular session yesterday.

The council agreed to call for an executive session and to invite representatives from the Land Transportation Office, Cebu City Police Office, Highway Patrol Group, and various motorcycle riders and habal-habal riders to address the matter. The executive session is set on Feb. 12.

While checkpoint operations are seen as an effective crime deterrent, Alcover said it must be applied equally, be it motorcycles or four-wheeled vehicles.

Alcover said he received complaints from motorcycle riders, particularly habal-habal drivers, on why they were the only ones being flagged down during checkpoints.

"Mura og usahay, makit-an nila nga mas istrikto ang mga checkpoints mahitungod sa mga motorcycles apan sa mga four-wheeled vehicles, mura'g pa diretso-diretso lang, wala kaayoy punto nga istriktohon ang mga four-wheeled vehicles," said Alcover.

Alcover recognized that there are legal considerations when conducting checkpoints, ensuring that it would be less intrusive to motorists.

"Pwede ba nga abrihan sa mga nag-checkpoint ang mga utility boxes aron ilang ma-inspect? Usahay kapkapan pa ang mga motorcycle riders sa mga checkpoint," said Alcover.

"Unsa may kalainan? Kay ang tuyo man kaha sa checkpoint ang pagtan-aw kung unsay mga violation nga nahimo, pero kasagaran gud murag motorcycle ra ang istrikto kaayo ang pag-implementar niini," said Alcover.

Alcover said there should be a balance between upholding peace and order, while protecting civil liberties. — /JG (FREEMAN)