Sigma mayor says speed ordinance is about safety

By Felipe V. Celino

SIGMA, Capiz — Mayor Dante Rizal Eslabon denied claims that the municipality’s speed limit ordinance is a money-making measure.

“The ordinance was made to protect commuters and drivers. It aims to enhance road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents,” the mayor said.

In an interview during PIA Kapihan on Thursday, Feb. 12, Eslabon said some individuals, particularly those affected, have been questioning the measure.

He said violators are required to pay corresponding penalties at the Municipal Treasurer’s Office.

Data released by Police Regional Office 6 showed road mishaps dropped by 50% since the implementation of Speed Limit Ordinance No. 05-S-2024 on June 1, 2025.

Records from Sigma’s Public Order Safety Unit showed 2,697 motorists were apprehended for speeding from June to December 2025.

The highest number of violators was recorded in June, with 846 apprehensions, and the figure gradually decreased to 99 by December, the records showed.

Eslabon said the trend reflects the local government’s continued efforts to improve the safety and welfare of Sigma residents.

Earlier, the Land Transportation Office-Western Visayas commended Sigma for implementing what it described as a landmark speed limit ordinance.

“This proactive partnership between technology and enforcement is key to reducing accidents and saving lives,” said LTO-6 Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso Geduspan.

The LTO-6 statement followed a joint committee hearing with the Capiz provincial government at the provincial capitol in Roxas City on Municipal Ordinance No. 05-S-2024, which sets speed limits and penalties for vehicles traveling through Sigma.

Sigma is the first municipality in Western Visayas to enforce 24/7 speed-enforcement cameras in three barangays: Pari-an, Dayhagon and Tawog.

Geduspan said the ordinance aligns with the Department of Transportation’s road safety campaign.