TRAFFIC VIOLATORS in Pasig with outstanding tickets no longer have to pay the 2% daily penalty after the city council passed an ordinance renewing the amnesty program implemented last year. Under Ordinance 14-2019, approved on Oct. 10 and published Oct. 20, “delinguent” violators have to pay only the basic fine plus a blanket 10% surcharge or one hour of community service for every P50 surcharge. Those with at least three official violation receipts (OVRs) will also be required to undergo a seminar. The ordinance was passed upon the recommendation of the Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO), citing that as of end-March this year, only 1,753 OVRs out of 49,139 issued have been paid for. The ordinance on the earlier amnesty program noted that most violators are “poor tricycle and jeepney drivers.” Ordinance 14-2019 says there is a need to find a balance between allowing “public utility drivers and minimum wage earners a chance to continue earning a living” while considering “public welfare and safety.” The amnesty, which takes effect 15 days after publication and will be implemented for six months, covers only those with OVRs before Oct. 20.

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