Batas QC mobile app launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday launched a mobile application containing local ordinances implemented in the city. 

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said the mobile app called “Batas QC” aims to reduce the high record of ordinance violations in the city by spreading awareness about the rules and penalties concerning local laws.

“This is the first user-friendly, city-based database that everyone can easily access. It aims to counter ordinance violations by educating residents on the penalties they will be incurring,” Belmonte said. “Lack of awareness on fines and offenses will no longer be an excuse.”

Data from the National Capital Region Police Office showed the Quezon City Police District apprehended 262,847 ordinance violators from June 13 to Nov. 2. 

This is the highest in Metro Manila, making up 58.4 percent of arrests involving ordinance violations.

Belmonte said the high number of apprehensions prompted the local government to pass a legislation mandating law enforcers to issue ordinance violation receipts (OVR) instead of putting violators in jail.

With an OVR, the violator can pay a fine within five days at the barangay hall or Quezon City Hall for offenses such as drinking, roaming the streets half-naked and smoking in public places.

Belmonte said the mobile app would help the residents understand ordinances implemented in the city. 

“One objective of the OVR is to mitigate congestion in jails and detention centers, but we want to go one step further through Batas QC by helping residents know our ordinances so they will not have to violate the laws,” she said. 

 She said Batas QC also aims to educate the residents about ordinances concerning roads, transportation, garbage, healthcare and other issues.

“Many of our residents bring up concerns that are being tackled by existing ordinances. But because they are not aware of it, they are not able to follow the laws or benefit from the services that are already there,” Belmonte said. 

The app, which may be used offline, is available for Android users through Google Playstore.