Ops vs counterflowing continue

In Cebu City in 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Despite criticisms, the 30-day impounding of motor vehicles caught counter-flowing in Cebu City will continue in 2019.

Cebu City Transportation Office Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said over 5,000 vehicles were impounded since February 2018 when his office implemented the measure.

“Ang priority man gud nato ang safety sa motorists. Malikay man gyud sa disgrasya kon dili mo counter-flow maong atong i-impound ning mga mag counter-flow para madisplina gyud,” he told The FREEMAN.

On February 2, 2018, Mayor Tomas Osmeña signed and issued Executive Order No. 34 or the order declaring reckless driving pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 4136 or otherwise known as Traffic Code of the Philippines, City ordinance No.801 and other existing traffic rules and regulations nuisance per se, providing sanctions thereof and for other purposes.

The declaration of reckless driving or driving left or counter-flow as a nuisance was needed for the city to be allowed to remove off the road all the vehicles used in the commission of an offense.

Osmeña also said he will let CCTO continue implementing the measure.

“But you can see, na menus gyud atong counterflow. It’s been a painful lesson but it’s for the good of the city,” he said, adding that the anti-counterflow measure will not be stopped until there are violators.

Last December 13, Osmeña granted the release of some impounded motorcycles after the Supreme Court issued temporary restraining order against Angkas and following the ban on motorcycles-for-hire.

Ouano said there were at least 300 motorcycles released on December 15 as ordered by the mayor.

But he said the office continues operating against motorists caught counterflowing.

Under Section 3 of the EO, the mayor imposed sanctions and penalties against violators which include removing off the roads all motor-vehicles used in the commission of an offense for 30 days as “corrective measure.”

To recall, LTO Director Victor Caindec already filed a complaint before the Office of the President over Osmeña’s anti-counterflow measure.

Last August, Caindec filed his complaint against Osmeña before the Office of the President for alleged gross negligence, dereliction of duty, and grave abuse of authority over the issuance of executive order No. 34, which seeks to penalize counterflowing.

The Office of the President already asked the mayor to answer the allegation of Caindec.

Caindec earlier said that Osmeña’s EO 34 was “illegal” as it reportedly violated provisions of Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code.

The mayor already answered the complaint last month. The Office of the President has yet to issue its decision on Caindec’s complaint.

The anti-counterflow measure was also the subject of criticisms of the opposition-allied councilors.

For Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, he said the impoundment of 30 days is “too much” to bear as some of the drivers are not owners of the vehicles.

Instead of impounding the vehicles, Garcia said the city should implement hefty fines since impounding might destroy the vehicles.

Aside from implementing the anti-counterflow measure, Ouano said the office will also work on its recommendation to increase the penalty from 1,000 to 3,000 against any traffic violations next year.

Ouano said he was ordered by the mayor to do so to see to it that there will be fewer violators of traffic ordinances next year.

“Wala na gyud ta’y pagduhaduha og dakop sunod tuig. Mas mo strikto ta para ma improve atong traffic situation,” he said, adding that other laws that will be implemented is the clamping of illegally parked vehicles, and other traffic laws.  (FREEMAN)