By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – The Bacolod City Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will persist in enforcing the clamping and towing ordinance, despite concerns raised by motorists.
City Legal Officer Atty. Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. firmly stated, “No parking means no parking.”
Atty. Ting acknowledged that the ordinance, which has been in effect since 2003, is currently under scrutiny by a group of lawyers, referring to a more recent ordinance from 2017.
“The towing and clamping ordinance has been in place since 2003, without any provisions for color coding,” Ting clarified.
He also questioned, “If the paint is erased, does it mean clamping is not permissible?”
According to Atty. Ting, section 8 of the ordinance serves merely to inform the public.
The president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Negros Occidental chapter, Lawyer Gerry Llena, is rallying those who have grievances with the city’s clamping and towing rules to come forward, promising legal support.
Lawyer Llena is preparing to initiate legal action against city officials responsible for what he claims is questionable enforcement of the ordinance. He disclosed that at least seven lawyers have been victimized by the alleged improper application of the rules.
Challenging Ordinance No. 09-17-818, Llena points out issues with the guidelines for accrediting private towing firms and the methods used for towing, clamping, and impounding. He has raised concerns about enforcement practices, including insufficient signage and information for the public, issues that have become more prominent due to social media.
“We are encouraging those affected to come out as we are ready to assist with their cases,” Llena urged.
