Ban on cell phone use while driving in Bacolod pushed

MANILA, Philippines — An ordinance to prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving in Bacolod City has passed first reading in the city council, an online news site reported Friday. Visayan Daily Star (www.visayandailystar.com) reported that the ordinance proposed by Councilor Dindo Ramos seeks to make it unlawful for any person to use a cellular phone, either by sending text messages or by making a call, while riding a bicycle or driving a motorcycle, motorized tricycle or motor vehicles. If a driver has to use a cellular phone for emergency reasons, he or she should fully stop the vehicle and park it where it will not cause a traffic obstruction or congestion. The proposed ordinance noted that many vehicular accidents in the major streets of the city have been reported, causing damage and injuries as well as loss of lives. Most of these accidents were caused by reckless driving and reports recently said some of these accidents occurred while the drivers were using their cellular phones while driving, Ramos said. As proposed, violators face a fine of P500 or up to 15 days' imprisonment for first offense, a fine of P800 or up to 15 days' imprisonment for second offense, and a fine of P1,000 or up to 15 days' imprisonment. The ordinance also lets the Bacolod Traffic Authority head or the court recommend to the Land Transportation Office the cancellation or revocation of the offender's license. Cell phone use while driving are banned in various urbanized places in the country, particularly in Metro Manila. GMANews.TV