The Baguio City Council has approved on third and final reading an ordinance further amending the city’s Anti-Distracted Ordinance to impose a “keep right” rule on two-way sidewalks and give priority to walking pedestrians but with exemptions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and emergency situations.
The latest amendment, Ordinance 77-2026, was principally authored by Councilor Yuri Weygan. It defines a “two-way sidewalk” as a sidewalk with ample space for two people to traverse side by side. Under the new keep-right rule, pedestrians using such sidewalks, particularly those walking in groups, must stay on the right side and avoid occupying the opposite or incoming lane.
PWDs who may require additional space to safely traverse the sidewalk are exempted from the keep-right requirement.
The recent amendmentory ordinance also establishes that sidewalks shall be primarily used by walking pedestrians. Other activities, including jogging, running and taking photos, must yield to walking pedestrians and must not obstruct their movement. Exceptions may be allowed only in emergency situations.
The latest amendment retains the existing prohibition against using mobile devices to text or read texts while crossing a pedestrian crossing or street, or while traversing a sidewalk when such use causes a delay in the mobility of other pedestrians. It also continues to prohibit reading any reading material while crossing a pedestrian crossing or while walking on sidewalks or streets.
The exemption introduced in the 2023 amendment is likewise retained. A person who is stationary, moves to the side of the sidewalk and does not obstruct the flow of people is not considered a violator of the ordinance.
The penalties also remain the same as those established under the 2023 amendment. A first offense carries a reprimand by the person-in-charge or officer on duty, while a second offense is punishable by 10 days of community service.
The ordinance continues to authorize the Public Order and Safety Division of the Mayor’s Office (BCPO), Baguio City Police Office (BCPO), Baguio Traffic Management Unit, barangay tanods and enforcers to monitor and apprehend violators. Authorities are directed to exercise due diligence, patience and maximum tolerance when reprimanding and advising potential violators.
CCTV cameras installed by the city, police and barangays may continue to be used as proper monitoring and proof of violations, while persons charged may contest the offense through the presentation of video footage.
The City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) is tasked to prepare the necessary signages in strategic locations, including parks and bus stations, to inform residents and tourists about the ordinance. The Public Information Office under the City Mayor’s Office and the City Council are likewise tasked to ensure its widest dissemination through all forms of media.
The measure is the latest amendment to Ordinance 49-2019 which established the Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance of the City of Baguio. The original ordinance prohibited the use of mobile devices for texting or reading texts while crossing pedestrian crossings or streets, or while traversing sidewalks when the activity caused delays in pedestrian movement. It also prohibited reading materials while crossing pedestrian crossings or walking on sidewalks or streets.
The original ordinance imposed a reprimand for a first offense, a P1,000 fine or community service for a second offense, a P2,000 fine with community service or one to 10 days of imprisonment for a third offense, and a P2,500 fine with community service or 11 to 30 days of imprisonment for a fourth and succeeding offense.
The ordinance was first amended in 2023 through Ordinance 77-2023. The amendment retained the original prohibitions but added an exemption for people who are stationary and move to the side of the sidewalk without obstructing pedestrian flow.
It also revised the penalty structure, retaining a reprimand for the first offense but replacing the P1,000 second-offense penalty with 10 days of community service. The 2023 amendment no longer carried the original provisions prescribing separate penalties for third, fourth and succeeding offenses.
The 2023 amendment also added provisions requiring the CBAO to prepare signages informing residents and tourists about the ordinance, and directing the City Mayor’s Office Public Information Office and the City Council to widely disseminate it.
The 2026 amendment now further expands the ordinance from its original focus on distracted walking to include rules governing the orderly use and movement of pedestrians on sidewalks.
According to the amendatory ordinance, the additional provisions are intended to promote safety, discipline and accessibility on sidewalks, prioritize walking pedestrians, and provide reasonable exemptions for PWDs and emergency situations.
The recent amendatory ordinance has been transmitted to the City Mayor’s Office for signing before its implementation. Baguio City – Sangguniang Panlungsod
