Talisay’s ‘chalk ordinance’ junked

CEBU, Philippines — In the wake of negative review from the public, Talisay City’s controversial sketch ordinance has been withdrawn by no less than its proponent.

Pushed by Councilor Ferdie Rabaya, chairman of the committee on traffic, the measure seeks to oblige motorists to bring chalks or any device with them so they can draw a sketch on the road if they are involved in an accident.

Rabaya told The FREEMAN in a text message that the proposal was met with vehement opposition by the public.

In pushing for the measure, he said the intention is to help ease traffic as it has been commonly observed that heavy traffic occurred in the areas near vehicular accident sites.

This is because the involved motorists usually have to wait for traffic authorities to respond to the accident before the area is cleared.

The city legislator explained that he observed that traffic congestion was mostly caused by such accidents. Even a minor accidents, he added, could build up traffic.

“Naay amendments na atong CT-TODA personnel i-capacitate na mobadlis sa position of the vehicles when involved in minor accidents while waiting for the traffic police for the sketch,” Rabaya said.

One of the stipulations in the ordinance is that every driver is empowered to make the sketch and immediately move his vehicle off the road.

However, the ordinance is not applicable to a major accident where persons involved lost their lives and incurred severe injuries.

As it was introduced, a lot of negative comments were received by the proponent and other government officials.

Jonathan Tumulak, traffic czar of the city, supports the ordinance but maintained that the ordinance needs more study.  JMD (FREEMAN)