Baguio heavy-truck rules draw questions: Who pays, who’s liable after inspection?

FEATURE

BAGUIO CITY — Questions over vehicle inspections, accident liability, escort fees and enforcement have surfaced following the implementation of Baguio City’s new safety requirements for heavy vehicles navigating the city’s steep roads.

The concerns were raised in the comments section of a Baguio City Guide Facebook post on October 6, 2026, discussing City Ordinance No. 058, Series of 2026, which sets road-safety protocols for covered heavy vehicles entering and operating within the city.

One commenter questioned whether the city government could be held responsible if a truck that had passed inspection later figured in an accident while traveling along roads such as Bokawkan, Sta. Lucia or Marcos Highway.

“Does that mean also na pag may disgrasya ng truck sa along Bokawkan o Sta Lucia o Marcos Highway na dumaan naman sa inspection ay may pananagutan ang city government?” the commenter asked.

The question highlights a key concern among motorists and truck operators: what exactly does a roadworthiness inspection cover, and does passing the inspection transfer any responsibility to the city if an accident later occurs?

The ordinance, however, establishes inspection as a road-safety requirement for covered vehicles, rather than a guarantee against accidents.

Under the measure, trucks, buses and commercial vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 4,500 kilograms entering or operating within Baguio are subject to roadworthiness checks, particularly when using roads with gradients exceeding 10 percent.

Designated checkpoints are established along Marcos Highway and Kennon Road, where personnel from the City Engineering Office, Public Order and Safety Division and Baguio City Police Office are tasked to conduct inspections.

Drivers are required to present valid vehicle registration, a driver's license and proof of insurance.

Vehicles are checked for critical safety components, including brakes, tires and lights. Tires must have a minimum tread depth of three millimeters and must have no visible cracks or bulges.

Vehicles that pass inspection are issued a roadworthiness pass valid for 24 hours, while those that fail are denied entry until the necessary repairs are certified by an accredited mechanic.

Escort fees also questioned

Another issue raised online was the cost of the escort system for heavy vehicles traveling through hazardous sections.

The ordinance provides for traffic-enforcer escorts along identified dangerous portions, including the “Breathe” section of Marcos Highway and the zigzag portion of Kennon Road.

For an escort service actually provided, the ordinance sets gasoline-expense reimbursement at ₱500 for the first four kilometers, plus ₱50 for every succeeding two kilometers.

The payment is tied to an escort service actually provided, with an official receipt to be issued by Treasury personnel.

One commenter questioned whether truck operators would have to shoulder additional expenses for inspections and escorts.

“Mataktak da ngarud ti truck ban, mataktak da manen inspection..paggastosen da paylang piman..for public safety ba or just another scheme of corruption?..” the commenter wrote.

The reference to corruption was made by the commenter and does not establish that corruption is taking place.

Another commenter supported the safety measures, particularly efforts to prevent overloading and protect roads, while also raising concerns about their impact on motorists and truck operators traveling in Baguio and Benguet.

Penalties for violations

The ordinance imposes penalties for failure to report to designated checkpoints and for operating non-roadworthy vehicles.

Failure to report to checkpoints carries a ₱1,000 fine for the first offense; ₱3,000 and a mandatory four-hour safety seminar for the second offense; and ₱5,000 plus vehicle impoundment for the third offense.

Operating a non-roadworthy vehicle carries a ₱2,000 fine and impoundment for the first offense; ₱3,500 and a mandatory six-hour vehicle safety seminar for the second offense; and ₱5,000 plus possible 30-day suspension of the business permit for the third offense.

The measure also requires quarterly safety seminars covering steep-terrain navigation, proper gear usage and vehicle maintenance.

The ordinance was passed by the Baguio City Council on June 8, 2026, approved by Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong on June 18, 2026, and authored by Councilor Jose M. Molintas.

The online discussion does not establish that the ordinance is being improperly implemented. Rather, it reflects questions from motorists and truck operators on how the new safety requirements will work in actual road situations, particularly regarding inspections, the 24-hour roadworthiness pass, escort payments and responsibilities following an inspection.

The ordinance seeks to strengthen safety for heavy vehicles navigating Baguio’s steep and challenging roads, while the public discussion underscores the need for clear guidelines on how the rules will be enforced in practice.