Pangasinan: Pangasinan's resumption of the implementation of the "reflective vest" ordinance is set to resume next month with the centralized release of citation tickets or violation receipts. Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino, in an interview on Monday, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) has approved the Provincial Ordinance Violation Receipt system to centralize ticketing and collection of fines for violations of provincial ordinances, including the reflective vest ordinance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the implementation was withheld in the past months due to problems with citation tickets in some local government units. "We addressed the logistical issue. Now the province will provide the citation tickets or receipt and there is no reason now not to implement the ordinance," Vice Governor Lambino stated.
Under the ordinance, drivers of two and three-wheelers, including golf carts and similar types, are required to wear high-visibility reflective vests or luminous color garments when traveling along Pangasinan roads from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Motorcycle passengers are required to wear reflective vests, according to Provincial Ordinance No. 325-2024 approved on July 1, 2024.
In cases where motorcycle riders or back riders carry a backpack or have rear top boxes that may impede the proper view of their vests or garments, similar reflective materials should be attached to the backpacks or top boxes, as stated in the ordinance. The reflectorized vests or luminous garments aim to enhance the visibility of riders to other motorists, especially at night, for safety purposes.
Violators will be warned for the first offense but will face a PHP1,000 fine for the second offense, PHP2,000 for the third offense, and PHP5,000 and/or imprisonment of not more than one year at the court's discretion for the fourth offense. The police, village, and traffic officers have been tasked with monitoring compliance with the ordinance.
PPPO information officer Capt. Renan Dela Cruz urged motorists to adhere to the ordinance to avoid penalties and ensure safety. Citing police data, Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario noted that vehicular traffic incidents in 2025 increased to 2,500 from 1,800 in 2024, reflecting a 28 percent increase. "Hindi naman solution ng lahat ng aksidente ang vest pero dapat may gawin kasi hindi pwede na hayaan lang," he said, emphasizing the need for action even if vests are not the sole solution to accidents.
