Lay-bys are not parking spaces

CEBU, Philippines — Following blatant violations involving a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) lay-by near Guadalupe Elementary School, the city traffic office reminded the public that the area is intended for passenger convenience and is not a parking space.

This came after motorcycles that were illegally parked in the area were apprehended by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) yesterday.

CCTO Head Raquel Arce shared a letter addressed to Mayor Nestor Archival expressing concern about sidewalks near Guadalupe Elementary School and Guadalupe High School being blocked by motorcycles and private vehicles, forcing students and elderly pedestrians onto the main road.

The concerned citizen alleged that barangay officials had tolerated the violations instead of enforcing the law and urged Mayor Archival's office to send a clearing team.

Acting on the complaint, a subsequent operation led to four motorcycles being impounded, while others were released after their owners were present during the clearing operation. However, tickets were still issued for their violations.

The enforcement followed the March 24 inauguration of a pedestrian traffic light at the school, a project spearheaded by Archival in partnership with the CCTO, school officials, barangay leaders, and the Guadalupe Elementary Alumni Association.

The traffic light was hailed as a milestone in road safety, designed to protect students and pedestrians in one of the city's busiest corridors.

CCTO Assistant Department Head Atty. Kent Francesco Jongoy explained to THE FREEMAN that the lay-by was part of the broader safety package, intended to ease congestion and protect commuters in the high-traffic area.

He criticized parents who disregarded the measure, warning that such behavior undermines public safety and sets a poor example for children.

“The parents should perhaps think twice of the lesson they show their children when parking on the PUV lay-by. Otherwise, one kamote parent bears fruit of another future kamote if these practices don’t stop,” Jongoy said, stressing the CCTO’s resolve to continue enforcement.

The incident highlights Cebu City's ongoing struggle to balance infrastructure improvements with consistent enforcement.

While new facilities such as pedestrian traffic lights and PUV lay-bys are being introduced to improve safety, officials stressed that compliance and discipline among residents remain critical to ensuring these measures achieve their intended purpose. — (FREEMAN)