Anti-counterflow EO takes effect tomorrow

CEBU, Philippines — Drivers, watch out.

Starting tomorrow, implementation of Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s Executive Order No. 34 that seeks to penalize counterflowing will go full swing in Cebu City.

Erring drivers will be fined P500 and their vehicles will be impounded for 30 days as a “corrective measure.”

The EO or the order declaring reckless driving came amid the rising concern over the worsening traffic condition in the city and its neighboring areas in Metro Cebu.

Counterflowing or cutting on the queue of vehicles by driving into the traffic that flows in the opposite direction is one of the factors contributing to bottlenecks.

Thus, the measure, which Osmeña signed Friday afternoon, is aimed at easing traffic congestion and lessening road accidents, pursuant to the provisions of the Republic Act 4136 (Traffic Code of the Philippines), City Ordinance No.801, and other existing traffic rules and regulations.

The new policy, the mayor also said, will help instill discipline among motorists.

“Most annoying of all these traffic violations are reckless driving, most specifically what is known as driving left or counter-flowing, which to the mind of the general public is not only a brazen disregard of  basic road courtesy, but a cold display of indifference to the safety and well being of other road users,” reads a portion of the order.

Francisco Ouano, operations chief Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), said 24 teams of mobile patrol groups (MPG) will be deployed in three shifts – 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2 p.m to 10 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Each team has four members composed of three city traffic enforcers and one policeman.

Fifty members of Task Force Alpha (TFA), enforcement arm of CCTO, will also supplement the mobile patrol personnel in implementing the EO.

These enforcers will keep an eye on minor and major thoroughfares, including Natalio Bacalso Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, Escario Street, Gorordo Avenue, and V. Rama Street, among others, on a 24/7 basis.

Cebu City has 278 traffic enforcers manning the city streets.

Ouano, however, said only the 146 MPG and TFA members are allowed to impound vehicles.

The regular traffic enforces can still help by monitoring and reporting violators to MPG and TFA, he said.

The impounded vehicles, including motorcycles, will be placed in a 1.5-hectare city-owned lot at the South Road Properties. The property can accommodate thousands of vehicles.

Ouano warned motorists to strictly follow traffic rules or else they will face the consequences.

“Hangyo ta sa mga tao nga dili na gyod pabadlong sa kalsada. Daghang oras napod atong nahatag as warning nila,” he told The FREEMAN.

The mayor has already directed the City Legal Office to form a team of prosecutors responsible for filing necessary administrative, civil, and criminal charges against reckless drivers or violators of the EO.

Counterflowing vehicles are considered road nuisances.

Article 694 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines defines nuisance per se as “any act, omission, establishment, business, condition or property or anything else which: (1) injures or endangers the health or safety of others; or (2) annoys or offends the senses; or (3) shocks, defies or disregards decency or morality; or (4) obstructs or interferes with the free passage of any public highway or street, or any body of water; or (5) hinders or impairs the use of property.”

Moreover, the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue are also exploring the possibility of implementing the ban in their respective areas. (FREEMAN)