Regulating speed

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

First it was the ordinance on vehicles, including motorcycles, that need to stop when traversing pedestrian lanes to allow people to cross the street. Now, Dumaguete's lone lady councilor Lilani Ramon, has come up with a parallel ordinance that seeks to regulate or set a limit on the speed imposed on four-wheeled vehicles, as well as motorcycles.

Reports are known of vehicles that drive on high speed in many parts of the country and have caused major traffic accidents, if not death, among the people involved. Recklessness seems to be a lifestyle nowadays.

Truth to tell, many of the vehicular accidents that happened in Negros Oriental were caused by reckless imprudence, causing damage to lives and properties. The list goes on, and knowing some of these hapless victims makes it more disturbing, because something could have been done about it had people been serious about the implementation of the national law.

However, while the national law may not be found wanting in terms of its implementing guidelines, this latest ordinance that is now on second reading, is likewise not expected to create a lot of vehement discussions.

The latest ordinance may be looked upon as redundant or sophomoric, but if people can still get away with something and they know it, then that is the end of one's journalistic patience.

Let's have more such ordinances. Nothing is so insignificant that it cannot be discussed in the City Council.*