Council to CCTO, CENRO: Go after smoke belchers

CEBU, Philippines — The City Council has urged the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office to regularly apprehend violators of the Anti-Smoke Belching Ordinance.

During the regular session last Tuesday, the members of the legislative body approved the resolution of environment and health activist, Councilor Joel Garganera.

Garganera drafted the resolution after noticing that there is an "excessive" emission of fumes from vehicles, which may affect the health of the riding public, specifically the young.

"Ang siyudad ba tungod kay na-stagnant na, na-stuck na ang flow sa traffic, magsige og andar ang makina. Naputos na og aso atong dakbayan, ang atong siyudad," Garganera said.

He added those individuals who are stranded in traffic congestion are prone to respiratory-related diseases, which made him worry.

The horrendous traffic usually occurs during peak hours, which are from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Among of the busy thoroughfares include Colon Street, Natalio Bacalso Avenue, MJ Cuenco Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, Gorordo Avenue, among others.

"We might as well address the health aspect niana, magkagrabe na. Para nako, ang primordial ana ang public health and safety. Wala nay personnel nga mo-apprehend.  It has been a while nga kakita ko nga ang mga ahensya nagtan-aw niini," Garganera said.

CCTO Operations Head Francisco Ouano said they have been enforcing City Ordinance 2111 or the Anti-Smoke Belching Ordinance of the City of Cebu.

He said an estimated 20 to 30 drivers will be slapped with a fine for violating the existing ordinance.

He added there are at least eight traffic personnel assigned for the road emission test in various streets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Wala ta nagkuwang, naa gihapon ta. Siguro naay some adjustments like mopalit og bag-ong makina kay I think pagsulod (nako) duha ra – usa ka diesel and usa ka gasoline ang apparatus," Ouano said.

Under the penalty provision, violators will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense.

The fines provided for in CO 2111 are less than the fines stipulated under Republic Act 8749 or the Clean Air Act. (FREEMAN)