Cebu City is moving towards greater transparency in its operations, starting with its fleet of government vehicles. A new proposed ordinance seeks to ban tinted windows and other visibility-blocking devices on all motor vehicles owned or funded by the city and its barangays.
Details of the Proposed Transparency Measure
The proposed ordinance, authored by Councilor Harold Kendrick Go, was introduced with the goal of promoting accountability. It covers all vehicles owned, leased, donated, rented, or otherwise used by the Cebu City Government or its barangays. This includes any vehicle acquired or maintained using public funds, in whole or in part.
If passed, the measure will require all covered vehicles to have clear and unobstructed windows. This means a prohibition on tinted glass, curtains, blinds, and any similar devices that block the view into a vehicle's interior. Offices and barangays will be given a 60-day grace period from the ordinance's effectivity to remove these materials and present their vehicles for inspection.
Penalties for Non-Compliance and Limited Exemptions
Strict consequences are outlined for failure to comply. After the grace period, vehicles that do not meet the new standard will be denied access to city- or barangay-funded fuel, lubricants, repairs, and maintenance. This restriction will remain until the Department of General Services (DGS) certifies the vehicle's compliance.
The ordinance also prescribes escalating monetary penalties for violations, ranging from P3,000 to P5,000. Furthermore, it allows for the filing of administrative cases against accountable officials for repeated or tolerated violations.
Recognizing special circumstances, the proposal includes provisions for limited exemptions. These can only be granted through written approval from the city mayor and are restricted to:
- Emergency vehicles.
- Law enforcement or security vehicles on specific missions.
- Cases involving medical necessity, supported by a physician's certification.
Enforcement and Existing Tint Regulations
Enforcement will be a joint effort led by the Cebu City Transportation Office, the Cebu City Police Office, and the DGS. These agencies are authorized to inspect vehicles on public roads, in parking areas, and on government premises.
It is important to note that while window tinting is legal in the Philippines, it is regulated by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The LTO recommends a 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) for front windshields and 50% VLT for side windows. A higher VLT percentage means a lighter tint, allowing more light to pass through.
The proposed Cebu City ordinance, therefore, sets a stricter, zero-tolerance standard specifically for vehicles funded by public money, pushing for complete visibility as a symbol of open governance.
