By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
For the first time, the Iloilo City Transportation and Traffic Management Office has filed formal charges against seven traffic violators who failed to pay their fines.
TTMO head Retired Police Col. Uldarico Garbanzos said the charges were filed after the violators failed to settle their citations within the 72-hour deadline mandated by city ordinance.
An additional 72-hour grace period is granted before legal action is taken, after which cases are filed with the city prosecutor’s office if payment is still not made.
The TTMO filed the cases after the City Council granted the office omnibus authority to initiate legal proceedings.
“This is a historic day, a historic moment where we have already started filing cases against those not settling their traffic citation tickets,” Garbanzos said.
“This will send a strong signal that the TTMO is serious about traffic violations,” he added.
Garbanzos warned that if violations are not resolved at the fiscal level, the cases will be elevated to the courts, which could result in arrest warrants.
He said the seven cases are just the beginning, with more—around 100—set to be filed in the coming weeks.
“We aim to promote discipline and honor the obligations tied to issued infraction tickets,” he said.
“If you don’t want to have a record at the prosecutor’s office or in court, traffic citations must be settled.”
Garbanzos said the violations include disregarding traffic signs and signals, riding without a helmet, operating colorum vehicles, illegal parking, and other infractions.
He emphasized the need for drivers and motorists to take traffic regulations seriously and promptly settle violations to avoid legal consequences.
He added that the initiative is a reminder of the importance of traffic discipline for public safety and order on city roads.
Violators must settle their fines at the City Treasurer’s Office.
