City officials recently reminded the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) to support and continue with the strict implementation of Ordinance No. 07, series of 2010 or the King of the Road ordinance of the city.
Under Resolution No. 140, The Committee on Public Utilities, Transpiration and Traffic Legislation in its 4th indorsement dated February 28, 2025 stated that during the regular session held on February 5, 2024, Police Lt. Col. Zacarias Dausen, chief of the BCPO Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU), mentioned that they allegedly lack the sufficient personnel to effectively and efficiently implement the King of the Road ordinance.
Section 3 of Ordinance No. 07, series of 201, stated that the BCPO shall be tasked to strictly implement the said ordinance in all streets, the BCPO, when practicable, shall designate or assign traffic enforcers, police auxiliary, barangay tanods and members of the City Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) to man pedestrian lanes.
The council recently noted that an accomplishment report from the BCPO dated February 13, 2024 was received by the Chairperson of the said Committee relative to the King of the Road ordinance covering the period February 7-12, 2024 stating therein the unit and number of apprehensions, accomplishment report dated February 21, 2024 covering the period February 13-18, 2024 and the latest accomplishment report dated February 26, 2024 covering the period February 19-25, 2024.
The council added that as a progressive result, the Committee on Public Utilities, Transportation and Traffic Legislation recommended the BCPO to continue with the strict implementation of the King of the Road ordinance and their assurance of full support.
Earlier, the body considered the matters, issues and suggestions raised by the members and the invited resource speakers during the February 5, 2024 regular session in relation to the proposed resolution introduced by Councilor Fred L. Bagbagen that seeks to invite BCPO officials, a representative of the City Engineering Office – Transportation and Traffic Management Division (CEO-TTMD) to shed light on the incidents posted on social media on the unblemished neglect of certain motorists and to update the council in aid of legislation of Ordinance No. 07, series of 2010 or the King of the road ordinance.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the BCPO for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See