Ordinance to ban caroling in jeepneys pushed

THE committee on laws of the Cebu City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance that prohibits caroling in passenger jeepneys.

Councilor Edgar Labella said in a committee report that the ordinance was “legal and valid” under section 16 on the general welfare provision of the Local Government Code.   He said it mandates local government units to promote the safety of constituents.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., who authored the ordinance, said this would help carolers, especially children, avoid road accidents.

Violators will be asked to render community service for eight hours, upon the discretion of the court, aside from paying the P500 fine or jail detention of five days.

Pe’s draft ordinance was filed in response to complaints from passengers on the aggressive behavior of carolers, who tug on their bag straps until they give money. Correspondent Edison delos Angeles