QC wants to give village traffic aides more powers

MANILA, Philippines—A proposed ordinance that will give broader powers to barangay (village) tanod (watchmen) tasked as traffic enforcers in their respective areas, including the authority to confiscate drivers’ licenses and issue ordinance violation receipts (OVRs), is under review by the Quezon City council.

The draft measure has been referred for further study to the council’s committees on barangay affairs; public order and security and illegal drugs; and laws, rules and internal government. It has just been passed on first reading.

Councilors Jose Visaya and Rogelio Juan, authors of the “Barangay Traffic Enforcement Ordinance,” proposed that officials of each of the city’s 142 barangays be required to designate at least two of their barangay public safety officers (BPSOs) as traffic enforcers.

Before their deployment, however, the chosen BPSOs will be required to undergo seminars and a training program under the city government’s Department of Public Order and Safety.

They will then be deputized as enforcers and authorized to issue OVRs for the implementation of traffic rules and regulations within their respective barangays.

The two councilors said the move was necessary as Quezon City was becoming the country’s fastest-growing locality in terms of economy and population.

“This has led to atrocious traffic congestion and, if not addressed properly, may cause a disruption in the financial expansion of the community,” they added.

The councilors, however, warned that the barangay chair and council members would be held accountable for any abuses or illegal activities committed by their deputized BPSO traffic enforcers.