BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has approved a resolution calling for stricter enforcement of traffic laws following a sharp rise in road crash injuries, particularly among young riders.
Authored by Councilor Em Ang and approved by the city council on March 24, the measure urges the Bacolod Transportation and Traffic Management Department (BTTMD), through Mayor Greg Gasataya, to intensify road safety enforcement and implement comprehensive measures to curb accidents in the city.
The resolution was prompted by data from the Department of Health (DOH), which recorded 1,113 road crash injuries nationwide from December 21, 2025 to January 2, 2026—an alarming 82 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Nearly half of these cases, or 508 incidents, involved individuals aged 15 to 29, the resolution noted.
The report also revealed that about 87 percent of those injured were not using safety gear such as helmets or seat belts.
Of the fatalities recorded, four out of seven victims were aged 16 to 26, with most incidents involving motorcycles.
Citing the city government’s responsibility to safeguard public welfare, the resolution emphasizes the need for stronger and more consistent enforcement of traffic regulations, Ang said.
Among the key measures proposed are intensified traffic operations, sustained public awareness campaigns, and expanded road safety education programs.
The resolution also calls for the strict implementation of the policy “No OR/CR, No Driver’s License – No Travel,” as well as tighter regulation of unauthorized tricycles, e-trikes, and e-bikes operating within the city.
It also encourages the BTTMD to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure a unified approach to road safety.
These include the City Legal Office for clearing operations to remove illegal road obstructions, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for the enforcement of national vehicle and licensing laws, and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) for maintaining peace and order on city roads.
Barangay officials are likewise expected to play a key role in implementing and monitoring compliance at the community level.
The resolution further requires the BTTMD to submit a report to the Sangguniang Panlungsod detailing the actions taken in response to the directive.
City officials expressed hope that these strengthened efforts will help reverse the rising trend in road accidents and promote a culture of safety, particularly among the youth./PN
