Manila: Pedestrians in Baguio City will soon be required to observe a 'keep right' rule when using two-way sidewalks, pedestrian lanes, and other walkways under an amended anti-distracted walking ordinance approved by the City Council.
According to Philippines News Agency, Jordan Habbiling, information officer of the Baguio City Council, said in an interview on Monday that the amended ordinance will take effect upon signing by the mayor and publication. "The City Council has approved on third and final reading the ordinance further amending the Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance that impose a keep-right rule on two-way sidewalks, giving priority to walking pedestrians but with exemptions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and during emergencies," Habbiling said.
Habbiling stated that Ordinance 77-2026 also establishes that sidewalks shall primarily be used for pedestrians. Other activities such as jogging, running, and taking photos must give way to walking pedestrians and must not obstruct their movement, he added. The ordinance also prohibits the use of mobile devices to text, read messages, or make calls while crossing a pedestrian lane or street, or while traversing a sidewalk, when such use causes delays in the movement of other people.
A first offense carries a reprimand, while a second offense is punishable by 10 days of community service. Under the new 'keep right' rule, pedestrians using two-way sidewalks, particularly those walking in groups, must stay on the right side and avoid occupying the opposite or incoming lane. PWDs who require additional space to safely traverse sidewalks are exempted from the keep-right requirement.
The ordinance authorizes the Public Order and Safety Division, Baguio City Police Office, Traffic Management Unit, barangay tanods, and other authorized enforcers to monitor and apprehend violators. It also allows city-installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be used as evidence of violations. Habbiling mentioned that alleged violations recorded through CCTV may be contested through other video footage. The measure is the latest amendment to Ordinance 49-2019, which established Baguio's Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance. The ordinance was first amended in 2023.
