Bacolod's traffic jam lessened with North Terminal opening

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines   — Traffic congestion in several areas of Bacolod has been observed to have lessened starting Sunday when the North Terminal in Brgy. Bata opened, Councilor Dindo Ramos said.

Ramos, chairman of the City Council's transportation committee, said traffic situations at Lacson Street, Shopping Area and La Salle Avenue have improved.

The operations of the North Terminal will undergo a 45-day adjustment period, as stipulated in City Ordinance 480 series of 2009 or the ordinance governing the establishment and use of the north terminal, he said, adding that after the adjustment period, amendments will be made on the ordinance when necessary.

As of yesterday, the operation of the terminal has been “smooth” and none of the drivers and operators has expressed opposition, so far, said Ramos. Traffic Management Unit (TMU) head Chief Insp. Luisito Acebuche has assigned traffic aides and policemen to secure the area, he added.

Meanwhile, United Negros Drivers and Operator’s Center (UNDOC) secretary general Jesse Ortega denied that they are set to hold a caravan and protest rally at the Bacolod City Police Office against the implementation of City Ordinance 187, establishing a south terminal at Lopez Jaena Street.

Ortega said they are not going to hold a protest, but a mass instead at the San Antonio Abad Parish church in Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City before attending the hearing for the temporary restraining order (TRO) they filed in court.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 49 is set to hear the petition for TRO filed by four operators of PUVs plying the route from Bacolod City to various towns in southern Negros Occidental.

Petitioners Nenita Peters, Rizalina Alon, Noel Moncay and Jovito Gahataon asked the court to issue a 20-day TRO and to render judgment upholding the validity of City Ordinance 1790, Series of 1969, providing for the establishment of waiting stations in specified areas in Bacolod City.

Named respondents in the petition are Acebuche, Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, and City Police director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, City Engineer’s Office head Belly Aguillon, Department of Public Services head Josephus Cerna, Public Order and Safety Office Silvino Emilio Gallardo, and City Public Information officer Rogelio Giganan. ---(FREEMAN)