Formulation of Local Laws: The Legazpi City's Ordinance

I just would like to tackle for moment the issues of formulating and implementing local laws in Legazpi City, Albay. It seems that those people in the local government is using their power to impose laws which are considered onerous and unjust. The controversy came from the ordinance passed by the city government imposing a fine or penalty for owners of motorcycle who are not wearing the "prescribed helmet". A fine or penalty of P1000 for first offense and up to P3000 for succeeding offenses plus imprisonment. The funny thing about this is the content of the ordinance which requires the motorcycle riders to wear half-faced helmet which according to experts is posing a greater risk to the rider than using the full faced helmet.

Im just wondering why this local offical formulated such an ordinance. Actually we already have existing laws on wearing helmets for motorsycle riders.A friend told me that the reson behind this ordinance is the inability of the city government to fund the PSPO (Public Safety Personnel) of the city. To let tthis office contnue its ineffective service to the people, (yes, ineffective)they to look for other sources of funds. and unfortunately this ordinace came out.

Why do I say that PS Office is ineffective? Everybody knows it. If you are a resident of Legazpi City, you will definitely agree with me. They are not even effective in controlling traffic. ( An example of this is the intersection near Aquinas University). And where can you find these Public Safety Officers? Dont look farther. You can find them sitting at waiting sheds during rush hours. What do they do to jeepneey drivers loading and unloading passengers on undesignated areas.

Why continue to compensate these people if they are not doing thier functions properly. And now that the ordinance is in full implementation. They are there busy finding their PREY. The helpless motorists. For every P1000 fine that they will be able to generate, almost half will be given to them as incentives. Just imagine if they can apprehend at least twenty people a day. Wow, they will be earning more than a manager or an executive is earning a day. Indeed this is a very good source of income. Im sure there are a lot of people here who would want to become a Public Safety Officer.

I know some people in the council. Some are lawyers. I would like to ask them these questions if they still know these terms. What is just and unjust and onerous? What do we mean by welfare of the people. Do you think that imposing this ordinance would prevent crimes? If your people are not doing their jobs efficiently, can we prevent crimes? Why should people shoulder the burden of funding the expenses of the local government?

Maybe its time for every Bicolano or Legazpeño to let your voices be heard. Maybe its time for us to look at these people in the LGU. Who are them? What are the things that they are doing? Maybe we have chosen the wrong people.