Dumaguete: The Negros Oriental Provincial Highway Patrol Team (HPT) is advocating for a review and potential amendment of Dumaguete's traffic ordinance to strengthen and streamline the enforcement of road use regulations.

According to Philippines News Agency, HPT provincial chief PEMS Aurelio Bodo discussed this initiative during a meeting with the city council's committee on transport and public safety. Bodo emphasized the necessity to align specific clauses of the city's traffic ordinance with the national traffic and transportation regulations.

Bodo highlighted the importance of revisiting the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, which was established to provide a standardized schedule of fines and penalties for violations of land transportation laws. This order was issued in June 2014 by the Department of Transportation and Communications (now the Department of Transportation), the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Bodo pointed out inconsistencies in the enforcement of fines by local authorities, who impose varying penalties depending on the law or ordinance applied. He noted that being a national agency, the Highway Patrol Team uses a different ticket system, which often carries heavier fines compared to local ordinances.

He cited examples of violations such as the use of unauthorized accessories like mufflers and headlights, as well as the removal of side mirrors from motorcycles. Bodo also raised concerns about minors driving without helmets and licenses, and issues like public drinking along the boulevard and Esca±o beach.

The HPT chief further suggested that the city should deploy its Task Forces to assist in enforcing traffic-related laws, ensuring a comprehensive approach to traffic management and public safety.