City Ordinance 590, which requires taxi operators to install early warning devices atop their taxi units was, passed on third and final reading last week by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod, a press release from City Hall said.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino, said the device, when activated, will alert law enforcement officers, as well as concerned citizens, that a hold-up is in progress. Its standard color is blue, it said.

As specified under the ordinance, first offense for a malfunctioning blinker light comes with a warning; a P500 fine for the second offense; a fine of P1,000 for the third offense; and for the fourth offense a P2,000 fine and cancellation of one’s business permit until a malfunctioning EWD is repaired, the release said.

For having no blinker light, a taxi operator will be fined P5,000 plus temporary cancellation of his business permit until such unit is installed.

Espino said the ordinance takes effect 15 days after its approval and after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Bacolod City.

The Bacolod Traffic Authority Office) will strictly enforce the ordinance and an inspection report from BTAO is required before the issuance of any business permit or city sticker, he said.

Copies of the ordinance will be provided by BTAO to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and other cities and municipalities through the provincial police director, while the chief of police of other cities and municipalities will be oriented about the ordinance, Espino added.*

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