CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Chairman Sylvan ‘Jack’ Jakosalem will call a meeting of various stakeholders this week to discuss amendments to City Ordinance 1837.
This ordinance bans the entry of jeepneys that are not plying routes within Cebu City. Such jeepneys will be allowed to enter the city only up to the designated terminals.
Jakosalem, who used to be the chairman of the City Council committee on transportation, said while he is not amenable to the suggestion of repealing the ordinance because it will worsen the traffic situation in the city, he believes some amendments can be introduced.
He would not, however, comment yet on suggestions like the odd-even scheme as he wants to consult that various sectors.
Jakosalem said there should be a thorough discussion about the issue.
He said, the whole-day meeting will discuss different traffic-related issues and it should be attended not only by CITOM members, but also representatives from the City Council, particularly Councilor Richard “Ritchie” Osmeña, chairman of the committee on traffic management.
Jakosalem said Osmeña’s presence in that meeting it is very important, because he should be the one to sponsor the possible amendment of the ordinance.
Aside from the traffic authorities, Jakosalem said he will also invite representatives from the jeepney drivers and transport operators’ organizations.
Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes proposed during a recent meeting with Mayor Michael Rama to do an odd-even scheme so that some Mandaue jeepneys can pass the city’s main thoroughfares.
Mayor Rama has tasked the CITOM Board to discuss the proposal of Cortes and to submit to him its recommendation.
Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young had strongly endorsed the amendment of the ordinance, or to repeal it if necessary, because he felt the difficulties of those people that are affected when the city strictly implemented the ban of Mandaue City-bound vehicles from plying the city’s streets.
Despite the ordinance, several Mandaue-bound jeepneys have defied the law and continue to pass the city streets that resulted to many apprehensions.
“Pwede ra tingali nato nga i-amend ang ordinansa pero dili tingai maayo nga atong i-repeal kay hasta kadtong sa ubang lagyong rota manulod na usab sa city streets, gubot na unya kaayo ang atong karsada,” Jakosalem said. –/NLQ (FREEMAN)