New laws, no enforcement

Too many laws, too little enforcement. This has often been used to describe law enforcement in this country. The problem is again being highlighted with the passage of the Clean Air Act and the Seat Belt Law. While several vehicles have been impounded, the smoke belchers are still out there, fouling the air with putrid exhaust, turning Metro Manila into one of the most polluted urban centers in the world. You hardly see anyone enforcing the Clean Air Act.

Meanwhile, you can see some motorists being apprehended for failure to use seat belts -- but this is probably because the Seat Belt Law took effect only this week. Jeepney drivers are grumbling about the cost of seat belts. Other motorists are griping that you don't need seat belts in a place where traffic is often at a standstill. Vehicular accidents, however, occur even in traffic jams, and Filipinos will just have to get used to an imposition for their own safety. To improve compliance, perhaps jeepney makers can produce more affordable seat belts for the vehicles, in time for the law's full implementation on Nov. 1.

The new laws may need some fine-tuning, but the early glitches should not deter the government from enforcing them. Enforcement, however, requires manpower -- something the government lacks. A transport official said the other day that the Land Transportation Office, which is the lead agency in enforcing both the clean air and seat belt laws, has all of 52 personnel to supervise 1.5 million motor vehicles in Metro Manila.

The LTO, however, need not inspect every vehicle for compliance. All that is needed is random testing in strategic spots to send the message that the government is on its toes. The LTO is supposed to be assisted by the Metro Manila Development Authority and the police Traffic Management Group in enforcing the new laws. MMDA and TMG personnel, however, can use better training in enforcement. And even for random testing, additional trained personnel will be needed by the LTO. If the government wants effective implementation of the Clean Air Act and Seat Belt Law, it should be willing to make this investment in manpower.