BAGUIO CITY – The city council passed on first reading a “Carless Day Ordinance in the City of Baguio” authored by councilor Leandro Yangot, Jr. that, among others, seeks to avert pollution from vehicle fumes to further improve the Summer Capital’s air quality.
The proposed measure cites several sections of the 1987 Philippine Constitution where the state shall protect and promote the right to health of the people, instill health consciousness among them and advance their right to a balanced and healthful ecology in accordance with nature.
If finally approved, the ordinance will prohibit all vehicles from traversing along the stretch of Session Road on both sides starting from the foot of the road to the area fronting BPI Session and the Post Office on a certain day to be decided later.
It points out that in extreme cases such as emergencies or events involving possible threats to lives and properties, police cars, fire trucks, emergency service vehicles, ambulances and the like may enter the carless zone.
Violators of the measure will be meted a fine of P1000 for the first offense; a fine of P3000 or imprisonment of not more than three months but not less than one month, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court for the second offense; and for the third offense, a fine of P5000 or imprisonment of not more than six months but not less than three months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
If the violation is committed by a business establishment, the owner/operator or the person acting in his/her behalf shall be held liable.
“In addition to the foregoing penalties, the business permit of the business establishment shall be cancelled by the City Mayor upon the commission of the third offense,” the measure warns.**gaby keith and denver ebba (pio intern)
