Quezon City Councilor Winnie Castelo on Thursday rejected a proposed ordinance mandating a no-contact apprehension program for traffic violations in Quezon City.
“In principle, I agree with the program and its objectives, but it should be implemented in normal times, not during this pandemic when our people need jobs or should keep their jobs,” he said.
Castelo raised fear that the program could add economic burden to public utility vehicle drivers and private motorists.
He urged the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety “whose office has millions of pesos at their disposal for traffic control” to use its manpower, resources and logistics in the apprehension of traffic violators.
“Let us instead keep these employees who need their jobs, especially at this time. Let us use whatever surplus funds we have for ‘ayuda’ or financial assistance for those in special concern lockdown areas and other residents rendered jobless or deprived of means of livelihood by the pandemic,” he emphasized.
The proposal coming from some of his fellow councilors would also duplicate the no-contact apprehension project of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority along major roads in Metro Manila, including Quezon City, he said.
“We can perhaps call on the MMDA to expand it, but let us not copy this expensive program,” he added.
He also questioned the proposed measure’s recommended “excessive” fines for violations ranging from P500 to P5,000.