Archival pushes discipline zone, transport reforms

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said the effects of the newly launched Discipline Zone in Banilad-Talamban (Ban-Tal), including a revised traffic scheme, are already being felt—particularly in the form of reduced travel time.

In an interview Monday, Archival, who frequently travels along the Talamban corridor, said the new scheme has eased congestion in the area. He credited the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for its proactive measures in implementing the traffic changes.

Archival reiterated his standing order to enforce proper parking in accordance with existing traffic laws. He also aims to require motorcycles to stay on the right side of the road and avoid frequent lane switching.

“Mao ni sa usa sa hinungdan nganong naay mga disgrasya, naay maghinay ang traffic, kay ang mga sakyanan mag sige man og hunong, mag sige og brake ba,” said Archival.

To further address traffic issues, Archival said the city is studying the possibility of opening more road networks. He cited the opening of a road from IT Park to Banilad via Padriga Street as one improvement.

“Ato sang nabantayan nga mas minus na ang pag crossing sa mga kadalanan,” he said, referring to reduced road crossing due to the new connection.

Archival also expressed support for a resolution filed by Councilor Harold Go, which seeks City Council approval to ask the President to consider reopening the VisCom Road in Barangay Apas to all vehicles, subject to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) security procedures. The move is intended to decongest the Ban-Tal corridor.

Archival agreed with the resolution, recalling that the road had previously been opened to the public.

“There was also a time nga wala (gi-close) because of security problem which makasabot ta,” he said.

He added that encouraging Banilad residents to use the Apas route could help ease traffic in the area.

It may be recalled that Atty. Kent Francisco Jongoy, assistant head of the CCTO, introduced the BanTal Discipline Zone, which features a no-left-turn policy, enforcement of motorcycle lanes, and reduced travel time for both public and private vehicles.

The Banilad-Talamban Discipline Zone was designed with multiple initiatives, including more than 22 designated public utility vehicle (PUV) lay-bys along the Ban-Tal corridor.

Built to international standards, the lay-bys provide areas for motorists, buses, taxis, and jeepneys to load and unload passengers safely. Jongoy shared his own experience of reduced travel time—from the usual 45 minutes to an hour down to just 27 minutes.

In addition to the no-left-turn policy, the CCTO launched a campaign targeting “kamote” or reckless drivers. According to Jongoy, 40 to 50 citation tickets are issued during peak hours, and around 10 motorcycles have been held in custody.

Common violations—mostly by motorcycle riders—include driving on the left, crossing double or single solid lines, overloading, riding without helmets, and ignoring traffic signs.

Modernization program

Meanwhile, leaders of the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (PISTON) Cebu Chapter, led by Greg Perez, met with Mayor Archival to raise long-standing concerns about traditional jeepney drivers affected by the public utility vehicle modernization program.

“Leaders from PISTON Cebu, representing traditional jeepney drivers, paid a courtesy visit to raise concerns on routes, high penalties, and the effects of the modernization program on their livelihood,” Archival said.

Perez, according to the City Public Information Office, reiterated the unresolved commitment to restore at least 50 percent of city routes to traditional jeepneys—a promise still in limbo amid shifting transport policies.

He also called for clearer signage and designated jeepney stops in high-traffic areas such as Lahug (JY Square), SM City, Talamban, and Mabolo, to help reduce congestion and improve commuter safety.

In response, Archival outlined proposed traffic measures and stronger enforcement. He committed to drafting an ordinance to automatically dismiss traffic violations not acted upon within 60 days.

He also plans to direct the Cebu City Transportation Office (formerly CITOM) to prioritize the collection of unpaid fines beyond that window.

Archival said he would also follow up with the City Planning and Development Office on the delayed Public Transport Route Plan (PTRP), which is required by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

To address concerns over special permits, Archival proposed a resolution, to be crafted jointly with LTFRB Cebu and the City Council’s transport committee, to review or suspend permits that may disrupt local route distribution and commuter flow.

He also emphasized inclusive solutions, including the potential retraining of affected jeepney drivers for employment in the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) system.

“Our goal is to ensure no one is left behind in the city’s transport, we discussed that some of their members can be considered for training as CBRT drivers,” Archival added.

Both parties agreed to maintain open coordination to ensure balanced, sustainable transportation reforms for Cebu City. — (FREEMAN)