Baguio ‘distracted walking’ law set; Session Road area set for local folks

BAGUIO CITY -- The use of mobile devices such as cellphones, tablets, and other similar items while walking is now prohibited in the city, even as a portion Supper Session Road will now be closed 

This, after Ordinance 49-2019 “prohibiting and regulating the use of mobile devices and other distractive devices and items while walking and crossing the streets and sidewalks in the city of Baguio” takes effect following its publication.

The prohibition includes reading any material while walking.

The ordinance states that distracted walking is a major pedestrian safety concern, citing pedestrian fatalities getting worse each year.

Persons violating the ordinance face a maximum penalty of PHP2,500 fine and community service or 11 to 30 days imprisonment on the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Originally authored by Scout Official for a Day (SOFAD) Councilor Eriko Coscoluela, he wrote: “Distracted driving is a deep-rooted problem that many cities and provinces in the country have prohibited the use of technology, especially cellphone while driving. However, the problem of distracted walking is a relatively new one but an emerging cause of numerous road accidents.”

Each year, more people get injured because of texting, talking or listening to music while on their cellphones, unmindful of their surroundings.

“The problem of distracted walking is a very real and serious one,” Coscoluela wrote in the proposal he submitted last year.

Based on the certification provided by lawyer Brenner Bengwayan, City Council Secretary, the text of the ordinance was posted on bulletin boards for three weeks starting July 5 and was also published in a local newspaper.

“Jona”, a government employee, said she agrees with the need to implement the ordinance.

“Minsan nababangga ka nila kasi 'di nila tinitingnan dinadaanan nila dahil sa kaka-cellphone (sometimes they bump into you because they do not pay attention while walking because of the use of cellphones),” Jona said. 

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Meanwhile, the city government ordered the uphill portion of Session Road will be made exclusive for pedestrians every Sunday to revitalize the environmental condition at the central business district (CBD).

In an order dated July 30, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the portion of the main thoroughfare--from DBP to the rotunda-- will be closed to motorists starting August 4 and every Sunday thereafter. Vehicles crossing the road from Mabini Street will be allowed.

Magalong or any member of the executive or legislative cannot be reached for additional information or comment as there is an executive-legislative planning session ongoing at Subic, Zambales.

Office of the Mayor information officer Aileen Refuerzo said the document was furnished to them on Thursday with the instruction to disseminate the information to the media.

She said the document includes a report from the Baguio City Police Office about the traffic situation at the CBD.

Magalong earlier reportedly asked the police to study the possibility of closing Session Road to vehicles as part of the pedestrianization plan of the city.

In a report, the BCPO detailed the traffic situation and what could be affected in case Session Road will be closed to motorists daily, as well as the other roads that may be affected, including the inconvenience it may cause to students in schools located at the CBD.