By Lilian Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY — The proposed ordinance banning roadblocks and other forms of obstructions that would impede the flow of traffic — including during mass protest actions — has passed second reading during the City Council’s regular session on Tuesday.
Councilor Ma. Belen Acosta said the ordinance “prohibits and penalizes any act that impedes or obstructs the free flow of traffic along public streets and highways, such as unauthorized road closures, setting up of barricades, stalling of vehicles, or other similar acts committed by an individual or group.”
Acosta said the measure is set for final approval next week.
“It is a big disservice to our economy, to our emergency services,” the councilor said, referring to the disturbance caused by street rallies in the past.
Acosta said the proposed ordinance imposes a fine of PHP5,000 or one-year imprisonment against violators.
The passage of the ordinance came after the Presidential Security Group (PSG) requested the local government to prohibit the staging of protest rallies along the road in front of the Department of Public works and Highways (DPWH) depot to the bridge near the Eastern Mindanao Command gate.
The area hosts the Presidential Guest House, alternatively called the Malacañang of the South, inside the DPWH regional office where President Rodrigo Duterte conducts government affairs while in Davao City.
In a letter to Mayor Sara Z. Duterte in October last year, PSG chief Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy pointed to the area’s significance to justify stricter security measures.
“It is incumbent on us to ensure that threats, hazards and security vulnerabilities are addressed since the President uses the place as the official meeting place during Cabinet meetings and courtesy call of prominent personalities and foreign dignitaries while in Davao City,” Dagoy said.
No curtailment of freedom
While PSG specifically cited the prohibition of rallies in the area, Acosta made it clear it does not seek to curtail freedom of assembly or right of expression by any group or individuals, progressive militants included.
“Your right should not impede on other people’s rights, especially when the majority would be affected,” the councilor maintained.
Acosta said militants and other groups can still hold rallies at the Freedom Park without seeking mayor’s permit, so long as they don’t impede the flow of traffic.
Lyndon Panisa, chief of the local government’s Civil Security Unit, said the proposed measure would help ease traffic because it would prevent people from blocking roads, such as the entry and exit points of the city.
“The main consideration here is that we have a traffic problem, and we have to address that,” Panisa said.
