Council backs Ban-Tal dialogue

CEBU, Philippines — Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. has gained the full backing of the Cebu City Council in calling for stronger consultation and coordination in the implementation of Oplan BanTal.

As promised late last week, Alcover took the floor during the council’s session the other day to share his concerns with his colleagues, recounting the situation that unfolded during the August 5 dry run of the traffic scheme along the Banilad-Talamban corridor.

Alcover acknowledged the intent of the program but stressed that its implementation exposed gaps in planning and communication.

“Personally, because I, too, experienced the traffic congestion brought about by the sudden change in traffic flow. But collectively, because I represent thousands of residents of the North District of Cebu City who use these roads every day,” he said, stressing that the issue was not simply about convenience but proper planning and responsiveness.

Oplan BanTal, also known as the BanTal Discipline Zone, was introduced by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) under Raquel Arce and approved by the Traffic Management Council to regulate traffic flow along Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue.

The scheme initially prohibited motorcycles from using the Banilad flyover, enforced stricter lane discipline and required public utility vehicles to load and unload passengers only at designated lay-bys.

Mayor Nestor Archival defended the move as a discipline-based approach to addressing congestion, noting that motorcycles account for the majority of traffic apprehensions in the corridor.

However, the first day of strict implementation quickly drew complaints from motorcycle riders, habal-habal drivers and transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators, who reported worsened traffic conditions.

By August 6, the restriction on motorcycles was lifted, although other measures remained in place.

Alcover emphasized that consultation should be central to traffic management.

“Our roads are shared by everyone, the private motorists, motorcycles, public utility vehicles, TNVS, habal-habal drivers, pedestrians, businesses, and residents. Therefore, when a major traffic change affects the movement of these sectors, their experiences and suggestions should form part of the planning process,” he said.

He added that motorcycle riders and TNVS drivers, who are on the roads daily, can provide practical insights into traffic bottlenecks and road behavior.

While complaints over the BanTal Discipline Zone have since subsided and traffic conditions have become more manageable, Alcover said the City Council still needs to examine the implementation of the scheme.

The council approved Alcover’s motion to conduct an executive session on August 25.

The session will bring together CCTO chief, representatives of the Traffic Management Council, TNVS leaders, motorcycle and habal-habal drivers, affected communities and businesses, and the barangay captains of Banilad and Talamban.

“Again, this is not about blaming anyone. It is about understanding what happened and determining how we can prevent similar difficulties in the future,” Alcover said, clarifying that the purpose was to learn from the experience rather than assign fault. — /FPL (FREEMAN)