THE Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) highlighted road safety and patient welfare during its regular session on August 11, 2026.
Vice Gov. Nick Besas presided over the session where two measures were approved to strengthen road safety in the province.
The SP approved, on second reading, Proposed Provincial Ordinance No. 56-2025, or the Bohol Provincial Road Safety and Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Ordinance.
Authored and sponsored by Board Member Mutya Kismet Tirol, the proposed measure seeks to effectively prevent road accidents.
Tirol cited a road mishap last August 8, 2026, in Lila, which took the life of her elementary and high school classmate who was just standing on the side of the road.
“Unfortunately, the driver of the white delivery truck, who inadvertently nakatulog, hit the blue multicab and also hit the couple on the side road. Therefore, they were victims of this road accident that could have been prevented,” Tirol shared.
The proposed ordinance not only adopts the existing penalties under Republic Act No. 10586 but also enumerates these in full, including three months’ imprisonment and P20,000 to P80,000 for physical injury; RPC or highest penalty plus P100,000 to P200,000; homicide plus P300,000 to P500,000 and confiscation, suspension, and revocation of license; and refusal of owner/operator liability.
It also streamlines the composition of the Provincial Road Safety Task Force (PRSTF), to include civil society and transport sector representatives and the provincial governor as chairman.
It further determines high crash areas as well as high-risk periods.
HELMET ORDINANCE
In a related development, the SP approved on first reading a proposed ordinance requiring all motorcycle riders within the province to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets.
Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite explained that “one of the most basic and effective forms of protection available to every motorcycle rider is the proper and standard protective helmet.”
He also underscored that despite existing national laws and regulations requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets, there are still motorists who drive without helmets, while others wear helmets that do not provide sufficient protection.
There are also instances where riders use helmets merely for compliance, without ensuring that these are properly fastened or that they meet the required safety standards, he added.
The Committee on Peace & Order and Public Safety is set to hold consultations and discuss the proposed measure.
PATIENT SAFETY IN HOSPITALS
Meanwhile, Tirol also raised concerns on reported separate theft incidents at the Cong. Natalie P. Castillo Memorial Hospital in Loon and Teodoro B. Galagar District Hospital in Jagna.
Tirol said these are serious allegations that must be investigated fairly and carefully.
“Ang ospital dili lamang lugar sa pagtambal. Kinahanglan lugar usab kini sa seguridad, dignidad, ug pagsalig,” Tirol stated, calling for a thorough, impartial, and documented investigation on the matter.
“If there are weaknesses in hospital security, patient-property procedures, supervision, or personnel accountability, then we have a responsibility to identify them and correct them,” she emphasized.
The SP is set to conduct a joint investigation by the Committee on Health as lead and in collaboration with the Committees on Peace & Order and Public Accountability.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
In the same session, reports were rendered by the Committee on Agriculture, Joint Committee on Public Utilities & Franchises (Lead) and Cooperatives, NGOs, POs & CSOs, Committee on Review of Municipal Ordinances & Related Issuances.
The Committee on Cooperatives, NGOs, POs, and CSOs moved for the accreditation of the Macaban Kakaw-Krayollo and Lubi-Netibo Agriculture Cooperative and the Napo Farmers Association.
The SP approved this motion as well as a resolution commending PNP officials: PLT Dave Surio and PCpl Mariano Humol for their outstanding accomplishment in the fight against illegal drugs.
In a privilege speech, Board Member Nathaniel Binlod said the two personnel participated in a successful anti-illegal drug operation in Dauis, Bohol, which resulted in the apprehension of a suspected high-value drug personality and the confiscation of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P3.5 million.
According to Binlod, their achievement reflects their courage, dedication, and professionalism in the performance of their duties and in protecting our communities from the dangers of illegal drugs. (Office of the SP Sec/LMS)
