THE local government unit (LGU) of Floridablanca in Pampanga recently passed an ordinance that would penalize “stoning” along the expressway portion that passes the town.
The town passed Municipal Ordinance No. 120, or the “Floridablanca Anti-Stoning Ordinance” that intends to penalize stoning and other prohibited acts along the portion of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway or SCTEX.
The passage of this law is the LGU’s response to increasing incidents of stoning, usually committed by minors, that damage vehicles and cause accidents within the jurisdiction of Floridablanca.
“Our LGU recognizes the adverse effects and gravity of stoning incidents, and these require a more compelling legislation to avert potential accidents and prevent minors from endangering themselves or others,” said Floridablanca Mayor Darwin Manalansan.
He added that “it will also strengthen our communities’ security system and leadership in educating residents, especially minors, on the dangers of stoning and other illegal activities near the expressway.”
The SCTEX and other expressways in the country are limited access facilities under Republic Act No. 2000 therefore some acts such as throwing of stones at vehicles traversing the road and ingress or egress to, from or across the expressway except at designated entry/exit points are considered unlawful.
Aside from stoning, other prohibited acts stated in the ordinance are climbing the fence/wall of SCTEX; and wandering, roaming, meandering near the SCTEX fence/overpass without any legitimate purpose and for a long period of time.
Sanctions for violators include three-day community service for the first offense; a penalty of P1,500 and/or five-day community service for the second offense; and a penalty of P2,500 and/or 10-day community service for the third offense.
For minors, the barangay shall require the minor and his/her parents/guardians to undertake community service. These are without prejudice to any claim for damages and to any case that will be filed against the violator/s.
Also, the barangays within Floridablanca shall strengthen the implementation of their security system to prevent stoning activities, lead in educating communities on the dangers of engaging in unnecessary activities within a certain distance from the expressway, conduct seminars and programs on responsible parenting, and coordinate operations and programs with the Philippine National Police and the SCTEX management.
The NLEX Corporation, with safety ingrained in their culture, commended the Floridablance LGU and the Sangguniang Bayan for passing an ordinance that would help eliminate stoning incidents in the SCTEX.
“We appreciate the move of Floridablanca to approve this ordinance aimed at boosting the safety of our motorists and our host communities. This supports our commitment to strictly implement measures to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow in our road network,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista.