Question & AnswerQ&A (VALENZUELA CITY ORDICE NO. 139 SERIES OF 2014)
The main purpose of the ordinance is to prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones or wireless landline phones while driving any motorized vehicle within Valenzuela City in order to prevent vehicular accidents caused by distracted driving and to provide penalties for violations.
The ordinance was authored by Councilor Rovin Andrew M. Feliciano.
The ordinance applies to all drivers of motorized vehicles, which include trucks, vans, cars, jeeps, and motorcycles operating within the territorial jurisdiction of Valenzuela City.
In the ordinance, 'cellphone' refers to a handheld mobile phone.
The penalties are as follows: first offense results in a warning, second offense incurs a fine of Php 300.00, and third offense incurs a fine of Php 500.00.
The Office of the City Mayor through the Task Force Disiplina, the Traffic Management Office (TMO), and the Valenzuela PNP Traffic Division are tasked with implementing and enforcing the ordinance.
Fines collected under this ordinance are placed in a special trust fund dedicated to the Valenzuela City Out-of-school Youth Programs.
Exemptions include law enforcers performing official functions, authorized drivers of ambulances and rescue vehicles while on duty, persons responding to emergency cases or rendering public service plus TV and radio news reporters, and COMELEC Election Officers during elections.
The ordinance takes effect seventy-five (75) working days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation and after the issuance of its implementing rules and regulations by the Executive Department.
If any portion is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions of the ordinance not declared unconstitutional shall remain in full force and effect as per the separability clause.