CITOM starts drive vs drivers not using headlights at night

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) had already started apprehending drivers who do not switch on their vehicle’s headlights while driving at night in compliance with the order of Mayor Michael Rama.

Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, chairman of the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Board, said there were 82 erring drivers apprehended by the traffic enforcers during their operation Tuesday night.

According to Jakosalem, 23 of the 82 erring drivers have been issued Temporary Operators Permit (TOP) while 59 were only issued Traffic Citation Tickets.

Those who were issued TOP are only allowed to drive for three days until they are able to redeem their license.

“Ambot, sayop ang mentality niining ubang drayber kay moingon sila nga dili nila pasigaon ang suga aron kuno dugay’ng maguba ang ilang bateri sa sakyanan o kuno dili makalas ang ilang gasolina,” Jakosalem said.

Jakosalem urged the drivers, especially those of passenger jeepneys to stop the practice to avoid being apprehended for reckless driving.

Land Transportation Office-7 officials said driving a vehicle with headlights off during night time is tantamount to reckless driving.

“Mahimo man gud nga ang maong mga drayber nga dili magpasiga og suga makadam-ag o kaha sila ang madam-agan kay dili makit-an,” Jakosalem said.

Rama earlier ordered all traffic enforcers in Cebu City to strictly enforce and comply with the traffic-related laws while on the roads.

Traffic enforcer Rodolfo Acantilado was earlier investigated by the CITOM Board for failing to apprehend erring drivers within his assigned area few weeks ago. (FREEMAN)