Discipline, not increase — Rama

An increase in jaywalking fines would not assure order on city streets, said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Rama said Cebuanos have to educate themselves and abode by on the laws and discipline themselves to maintain order in the streets.

He said compromise pays and raising the fines would promote corruption.

“We only need to understand the laws. There is no use in raising (jaywalking) penalties if the law would not be fully implemented,” he said.

Councilor Ritchie Osmeña, head of the council traffic committee, proposed an increase in jaywalking fines from a minimum of P100 to a maximum of P500 to a minimum of P200 to a maximum of P1,000 or imprisonment of two days or both depending on the discretion of the court.

A compromise fee of P200 may also be imposed on violators.

Rama said the council should reconsider the proposed amendment, which will be discussed in a public hearing on Aug. 10.

He said the city should instead tap schools, churches, nongovernment organizations and peoples organizations to educate Cebuanos on road discipline.

“For me, the booster against corruption is discipline,” he said.

He said it is possible that traffic enforcers allow violators in the streets to collect the jaywalking fines.

Rama said imposing huge penalties to violators would only make them angry towards the enforcers who implement them.

“Punishment should be under the direction of correction and develop respect for laws and not anger against laws, anger against authorities. I hope the council will be guided by this,” said Rama. chief of reporters doris bongcac