Not a popularity contest

Last week, a story came out on The FREEMAN about the move of CITOM to lower the fines imposed upon owners of motorcycles that get hauled off from the sidewalks or the streets where they are illegally parked.

From P1,500, the fine will now be P500. This is good from those whose motorcycles would be hauled off by CITOM, but is it really a good move to lower the fines?

With the way the people are violating traffic laws, we believe the stiffer fines would encourage people to strictly follow the rules and not take the risk of getting caught.

The fines imposed are not a matter of popularity, but rather one that are supposed to deter the violation of laws.

The people in CITOM are really in a tough spot, but then they are not supposed to be loved, but rather feared so that there would be more sense on our roads.

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We received several complaints from readers about the behavior of jeepney drivers around a mall, whose name we can’t mention.

There are times when we see CITOM personnel near that old cemetery to apprehend drivers that refuse to move forward even when the light is green, but most of the time, there seem to be no traffic laws in the area.

Is this another case of selective enforcement or are we going to get the standard reply again that the CITOM does not have enough personnel.

Maybe the leadership of the traffic bureau just lacks the proper management skills when it comes to fielding people.

One reader asked how come it was possible for CITOM to put so many people in the Banilad area, but not the other places. “Is the CITOM being selective again,” she asked.

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A reader called us up to share his complaint about the situation in Sikatuna street. He said that the road is often clogged because of the vehicles parked on the narrow road even if there is a NO PARKING sign.

He added that the same is the situation at V. Gullas St. “Diha duol sa inyong office bay, I’m sure you have seen that,” he told us.

It’s true, the short stretch from corner Mabini to Jakosalem is often clogged because vehicles are parked on the NO PARKING area and we have long aired this matter to CITOM.

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We got a short note from the mail last week. It’s a rarity to receive slow mail, but what is not rare is when a reader asks not to be identified.

Here it is:

Dear Nimrod,

I am an avid reader of your column, because I also am concerned about our city. I take my kids to school everyday in the uptown area and then head off to work. One thing that really makes me angry are the motorcycle drivers, who pass the opposite side of the road and those that weave in and out of traffic. My side mirrors have been hit many times and these motorcycle riders just speed away.

I hope you can bring this matter up. I planned to email this, but I pass by your office often so I decided to drop off the note so I would also see what’s inside your nice building. Thank you and God bless you always!

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For your comments, complaints and suggestions please feel free to contact us through 2531276 local 237.

You can also send email to [email protected]. Of course, you can also follow the lead of our reader above, who dropped us a note.