Faelnar challenges CITOM to clear city roads

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City yesterday challenged traffic authorities to clear the city roads of any obstacles, including tents that are used in wakes.

ABC President Eugenio Faelnar made the challenge after no one from concerned sectors showed up yesterday during the scheduled public hearing on a proposed ordinance to regulate the use of roads or streets for construction works and recreational activities.

Councilors Raul Alcoseba and Sylvan Jakosalem filed the proposed ordinance after Councilor Augustus Pe, Jr., chairman of the Council’s committee on public order and safety, raised the concerns of people occupying portions of roads or streets to celebrate fiesta or observe a wake, especially when a chapel is located right along the road or street.

In some areas of the city, portions of roads or streets are being used for recreational purposes like holding of a disco and or basketball games.

Yesterday, Faelnar contended that the City Traffic Operations Management should be right agency to clear the roads or streets of any obstacle.

“They must pull out from the roads any obstacles, including the tents that are used for vigils,” he said.

Some city officials said there is no problem in using a part of the road for vigils during the night, but the tents must be removed during the day so as not to obstruct traffic or cause road accidents.

Should the City Council and subsequently Mayor Tomas Osmeña approve the proposed ordinance, violators will be fined up to P5,000 and may even face imprisonment of up to one year.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama, himself, said the issue must be attended to immediately to avoid road accidents. — Rene U. Borromeo/JMO    

(FREEMAN NEWS)