When it comes to managing traffic and other transportation-related concerns in Manila, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) works with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Meanwhile, there are similar authorities in other parts of the country, as well.
There’s the Angeles City Traffic Development Office (ACTDO), for example. Angeles City is a first class city in Pampanga province. It is part of Metro Clark, an area that is also known as the “industrial and residential heartland” of Central Luzon. Like other highly urbanized cities, Angeles City requires efficient traffic management.
What is ACTDO?
As the name implies, the Angeles City Traffic Development Office (ACTDO) is the authority responsible for managing traffic and ensuring the smooth flow of transportation in Angeles City. It was created through City Ordinance No. 353, Series of 2014.
Vision and Mission
The ACTDO is committed towards achieving the the vision and mission of Angeles City’s Citizen’s Charter. Based on this, the city is envisioned “to be the heart and haven of quality socioeconomic services that are globally competitive and environment friendly.”
In relation to achieving this vision, the city’s mission is to:
- Deliver prompt, responsive, effective and efficient basic and social services with the utmost respect, excellence, integrity, and sincerity, guided by the principles of transparency and accountability;
- Provide unified and concerted efforts for customer satisfaction;
- Develop and initiate socioeconomic reforms that will improve the quality of lives of the Angeleños; and
- To constantly update the regulations and policies and ensure strict implementation.
Road Safety Code
The “Road Safety Code of Angeles City” was created through a City Ordinance. Eventually, it was amended through City Ordinance No. 609, S-2021, known as the “Revised Angeles City Traffic Code,” which states that the city recognizes the following principles:
- The five road safety pillars: (a) Road Safety Management; (b) Safer Roads and Mobility; (c) Safer Vehicles; (d) Safer Road Users; and (e) Post-Crash Response — must be strengthened;
- Road safety is a shared responsibility between those who design and regulate the road, and those who use it;
- Road safety is a multi-sectoral health issue that involves the participation of all sectors;
- Road design and the setting of speed limits must consider the need to protect vulnerable users like pedestrians, bicycle riders, and motorcycle riders; and
- Known effective interventions must be maximized to significantly reduce the number of road crash injuries and fatalities.
The City Ordinance contains further discussion about the five road safety pillars. It also presents fines and penalties, as well as the processes on law enforcement and adjudication.
Fines and Penalties
Speaking of fines, the Revised Angeles City Traffic Code includes the following violations and their corresponding penalties:
Prohibition on Using, Straddling, or Blocking Pedestrian Lanes. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 1 hour Community Service; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 30 days imprisonment at the court’s discretion.
Prohibition on Using, Straddling, or Blocking Bicycle Lanes. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 1 hour Community Service; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 30 days imprisonment at the court’s discretion.
Prohibition Against Parking on Designated Parking Slots for Persons with Disabilities and Other Groups with Special Needs. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 1 hour Community Service; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 30 days imprisonment at the court’s discretion.
Motorcycle Overloading. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500 or 1 hour Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 2 hours Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 3 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion and recommendation for revocation of license.
Seatbelt Use for Drivers and Passengers. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500 or 1 hour Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 2 hours Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 3 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion and recommendation for revocation of license.
Use of Motorcycle Helmets. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 500 or 1 hour Community Service, with impoundment and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 1,000 or 2 hours Community Service with impoundment and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 with 3 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion, with impoundment and recommendation for revocation of license.
Defacement, Alteration, or Installation of Road Signs Without Authorization. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 3,500 or 1 hour Community Service; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 5,000 with 3 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion.
Anti-Distracted Driving. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 or 1 hour Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 3,500 or 2 hours Community Service and attendance in a Road Safety Seminar; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 5,000 with 6 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion and recommendation for revocation of license.
Prohibition Against Street Racing. (1st Offense) Fine of PHP 2,000 or 1 hour Community Service, attendance in a Road Safety Seminar and immediate impoundment of motor vehicles; (2nd Offense) Fine of PHP 3,500 or 1 hour Community Service, attendance in a Road Safety Seminar and immediate impoundment of motor vehicle; (3rd Offense) Fine of PHP 5,000 with 3 months imprisonment at the court’s discretion and recommendation for revocation of license.
News and Updates
Meanwhile, here are some interesting news and updates regarding the ACTDO over the years:
Kapampangan Traffic Signs Installed
In September 2021, the Angeles City government installed traffic signs in Kapampangan dialect along the city’s major roads, the Philippine News Agency reported.
The move was part of the city government’s efforts to preserve the dialect, while maintaining the safety of motorists and vehicles, too. At least 20 Kapampangan traffic signs were installed around McArthur Highway and the Fil-Am Friendship Circumferential Road.
Here are some examples of traffic signs written in Kapampangan: “Báwal páparáda kéni” (no parking); “Báwal lúngub kéni” (do not enter); “Mamye dálan” (give way); “Báwal Íng búbusína” (no blowing of horn); “Báwal Íng lilípat kéni” (no crossing); “Báwal maglibutad ring motorsiklu, traysikel, e-bike, bisikleta” (motorcyles, tricycles, e-bikes, bicycles are not allowed in the innermost lanes); and “Báwal sálingku king kailî” or (no left turn).
The move was the first of its kind in the city and in the province. It was done in accordance with a City Ordinance that establishes Kapampangan as an official dialect of Angeles City, institutionalizing its use in all sectors, beside existing national and official languages.
Night Shift Traffic Enforcers Deployed
In May 2023, the Angeles City government deployed night shift traffic enforcers to prevent accidents that involve driving under the influence (DUI), according to a report by Pampanga News Now.
The move was made because the number of drunk-driving accidents in Angeles City was increasing. Initially, 14 additional enforcers were deployed, their shifts starting from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Focus on Road Safety for Students
On April this year, the Angeles City government revitalized the “Child Road Traffic Injury Prevention Program,” based on a report on the city’s official website.
As part of the program, the government will construct humps, install traffic signs, and provide pedestrian lanes in the city’s school zones. The program also goes in line with the government’s aim to make Angeles City roads safe for all road users.
Contact Information: ACTDO
If you have any questions for the Angeles City Traffic Development Office, you can get in touch with them through the following contact details:
Address: Public Transportation and Regulatory Office, Angeles City Hall, Aniceto Gueco Street, Angeles City, Pampanga
Telephone: 0453311035
Website: https://www.angelescity.gov.ph/index
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelesCityTrafficDevelopmentOffice/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
With a Road Safety Code in place, the Angeles City Traffic Development Office (ACTDO) is able to ensure that the city streets remain safe for motorists, pedestrians, and commuters alike.
Meanwhile, other highly urbanized areas across the country have their own transport-related authorities too. Check out this article to know more about the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB), which manages transportation matters in Muntinlupa City.