Comafay lauds Bon-as as anti-drag racing ordinance in Tabuk advances; Violators face up to ₱5,000 fine

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Violators of illegal drag racing in Tabuk City could face fines of up to ₱5,000 and possible imprisonment under a proposed ordinance that advanced to third reading at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on November 10.

City Councilor Atty. Errol B. Comafay Jr. congratulated fellow councilor Jayferson Bon-as, author of the proposed Anti-Drag Racing Ordinance, after the measure reached its third reading during the regular session at Tabuk City Hall.

“Congratulations to Councilor Bon-as for another ordinance passed to third reading, hopefully it will be approved,” Comafay said.

The proposed measure seeks to prohibit illegal motorcycle drag racing, reckless street racing, speed contests and similar dangerous racing activities on public roads, highways and other public places in the city.

Under the proposal, violators would face a ₱1,000 fine for the first offense; a ₱3,000 fine and mandatory attendance at a road safety seminar for the second offense; and a ₱5,000 fine and/or imprisonment, at the court’s discretion, for the third and succeeding offenses.

The ordinance also seeks to hold accountable not only participating riders but also those who organize or finance illegal races, block roads to accommodate racing, allow their vehicles to be used in such activities, serve as lookouts or place bets on race outcomes.

Bon-as said he proposed the measure after witnessing young riders racing along a road in Mapaoay. He recalled telling them to go home because he feared they might get into an accident.

For violations involving minors, parents or legal guardians would be notified and held liable in accordance with applicable laws. Criminal liability would be handled under Republic Act No. 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, as amended.

The proposed ordinance comes amid rising vehicular accident responses in the province, particularly in Tabuk City.

Data presented by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalinga during the September 30, 2026, Third Quarter Joint PPOC-PTF-ELCAC cum PADAC Public Safety Updates showed that the agency responded to 127 vehicular accident incidents across Kalinga from July to September 2026, up 76 percent from 72 incidents during the same period in 2025.

Tabuk City accounted for 118 of the recorded incidents, followed by Rizal with five and Pasil with four. Within the city, the Bulanao Fire Sub-Station recorded 98 incidents, with Bulanao Centro and Norte accounting for 63 cases.

The BFP identified 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. as the period when most accidents occurred, particularly in the Bulanao area. It also cited limited ambulances, rescue vehicles and emergency responders as challenges in responding to incidents.

Bon-as said he would incorporate amendments suggested by members of the city council before the proposed ordinance proceeds to final consideration.