Tents on the road

A friend, who knows that we write this weekly column, asked for some advice. He asked what he should do when the rain is falling very hard and he is still on the road.

We've been in similar situations many times and what we always do is to stop somewhere safe and wait for the time when there is better visibility.

At times we can get caught in heavy downpour in areas that we are not very familiar with, if you can't be sure of the safety about stopping somewhere, turn on your headlights. This does not help you see what's ahead, but it helps others see your vehicle.

When you are indoors, avoid driving when there is heavy rainfall. You don't only keep yourself dry, but also safe.

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We received email last week from Concerned Cebuano, who pointed out the tent that occupied almost two lanes of M.L. Quezon Ave., Cabangcalan, Mandaue City.

We had a picture of that tent that came out last week in the Metro section of this paper hoping that it will help send a message to the city and barangay officials that the practice is not good for a greater number of people.

Here is the email from our reader:

I was driving by this morning at ML Quezon St. in Cabancalan, Mandaue City on my way to Talamban when traffic was starting to build up. As I was inching my way I saw the reason for the bottle-neck. Occupying one lane and a half was a huge tent provided by Mayor Jonas Cortes for a private wake at a residence, not only that, City Hall provided an orange barrier. Why is the Mandaue City Hall, particularly Mayor Cortes allowing this? Why inconvenience the majority for a private wake?

Also near the Talamban Gym was a similar situation. On the right side going to Canduman near Andok's & Mercury Drug a yellow tent was also provided by BOPK again for a private wake. It was occupying half of the right lane.

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Another area where there is always a tent is in front of that chapel near corner V. Rama Ave. and P. del Rosario Ext.

We understand that it is good politics for those who provide these tents to the people who use them, but they must also think of the general public.

Chairman Sylvan 'Jack' Jakosalem of CITOM told us that the body has issued a memorandum that lending tents is not anymore allowed and the same was sent to the barangays.

What has happened to that memo? Maybe it was good only for a few weeks and now they have to turn a blind eye because of the barangay elections.

The problem with our country is that the leaders are themselves the ones who break the rules for their convenience. 

When will the ban really take effect? Are they waiting for a major accident where the people going to the wake would be hit by a wayward vehicle resulting to multiple deaths and injuries?

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