Amnesty for traffic violators ‘loss of income’ for Cebu City

GRANTING amnesty to Cebu City traffic violators may result in a loss of income for the city.

This was the concern raised by members of the City Council with the proposed ordinance of Councilor Rey Gealon entitled “An Ordinance Granting Amnesty to Traffic Violators for their Accumulated Fines, Penalties, Interests, Surcharges, And Including Storage Fees.”

The proposal was due for third reading and final deliberation during the regular session on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Gealon moved to defer the approval of the proposed measure as arguments were raised as to the scope of the ordinance and potential losses.

The ordinance will give traffic violators an opportunity to pay a one-time clearance fee of P1,000 regardless of the number of violations, imposable amount, and accumulated storage fee.

Amnesty may only be availed of for traffic violations committed not later than Dec. 31, 2022, and the period to avail is within 60 days from the effectivity of the ordinance.

Councilor Joel Garganera asked Gealon how much the City Government will lose if the proposed measure is approved, with Councilor Phillip Zafra also asking about the scope and that additional provisions should be added.

“When we’re talking about fines, we’re talking about violations, penalties, interests, surcharges, including storage fees. Do you have a ballpark figure on how much the City lost for this?” said Garganera.

No charges filed

Gealon responded that according to the law, the City can only collect penalties if charges are filed in the court within two months of the committed violations.

However, since no charges have been filed in court, the City Government can no longer legally collect the penalties.

Yet, since the violations are still in the CCTO database, drivers who committed these violations are asked to pay the penalties, which hinders them from properly seeking renewal of their licenses.

Gealon said the proposed measure should allow drivers to have a fresh start, especially those who rely on having vehicles as a livelihood.

He added that it would be unjust for the City to exact compliance in this scenario.

For now, the councilor will be reviewing the proposed ordinance to incorporate the suggestions of the City Council. (RJM)