Floridablanca enacts anti-stoning ordinance to ensure safety on SCTEX

The Sangguniang Bayan (local government) of Floridablanca in Pampanga has recently passed an ordinance that would help curb stoning incidents in the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

Also known as the Municipal Ordinance No. 120, the “Floridablanca Anti-Stoning Ordinance” is aimed to penalize stoning and other prohibited acts in SCTEX in response to the growing incidents usually committed by minors that damage vehicles or cause accidents.

This was shared by the NLEX Corporation, who lauded the local government unit's initiative.

According to toll operator, “The SCTEX and other expressways in the country are limited-access facilities under the Republic Act 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.” 

Other prohibited acts stated in the ordinance include climbing the fence/wall of SCTEX; and wandering, roaming, meandering near SCTEX fence/overpass without any legitimate purpose and for a long period of time. 

Violators will face the following sanctions: three-day community service for first offense; a penalty of P 1,500 and/or five-day community service for second offense; and a penalty of P2,500 and/or 10-day community service for third offense.

Parents or guardians of minors who will be violating the ordinance will be the ones undertaking the community service. 

Through the said ruling, the barangays within Floridablanca will boost their security system to prevent such activities, as well as educating communities by conducting seminars and programs on responsible parenting, and coordinate operations and programs with the Philippine National Police and the SCTEX management.

“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,” Floridablanca Mayor Darwin Manalansan said.

He cited that the program “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.”

For his part, NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi Bautista praised the LGU’s move that ensures the safety of motorists and host communities. “This supports our commitment to strictly implement measures to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow in our road network,” he said.

NLEX Corporation is a subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), the toll road arm of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC).

Photos from NLEX Corporation

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