Donate blood to settle fines?

CEBU, Philippines - The moment the Mandaue City council approves a proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Demetrio Cortes, violators of traffic rules in Mandaue City can settle their fines with a blood donation.

The Cortes draft ordinance otherwise known as "The blood for fine ordinance of Mandaue City" allows voluntary blood donations as alternative mode of settlement of administrative fines for violation of traffic rules and regulations.

The voluntary blood donation shall be an alternative payment of traffic violation fines ranging from P500 up to P1,000.

Under the ordinance, a blood donation shall not exceed 500 cc per person and shall only be done every Friday morning at the City Health Office or the Mandaue City Hospital.

However, before an apprehended violator could donate blood, he will be examined by a doctor from the city health office or from the Mandaue City Hospital.

The draft ordinance also states that upon apprehension, the violator shall be informed by a traffic enforcer whether he would pay the fine or donate blood.

The violator has three days after apprehension to pay in cash and seven days if he opts to donate blood, otherwise his traffic violation case will be forwarded to a local court for his penalty.

A driver who opts to donate blood will be advised by a traffic enforcer to proceed to the city hospital.

If he qualifies, he will then be made to sign documents that he would voluntarily donate blood to pay the fine, and that his blood donation will not entitle him to claim blood in the future from the blood bank.

The proposed ordinance was approved on first reading and will be heard for second reading next Wednesday.  (FREEMAN)