CEBU, Philippines - When I first came here back in the 1980’s, traffic was OK, and motorists generally obeyed the traffic rules. Fast-forward the past 10 years and it’s bedlam! I don’t think the main reason for this deterioration is the increased number of vehicles on the road in relation to our roads- it’s implementation! For instance, motorcycles go against the traffic and occupy the lane for pedestrians. Jeepneys deliberately stall their machines waiting for the light to turn red to pick up a passenger or two especially along the corners of P. del Rosario/Jones and P. del Rosario/Pelaez. The illegal habal-habalsillegally parking on the curb and sidewalks commandeered by vendors! To make matter worse, the CITOM officers can’t be seen at these choke points, they are seen in corners where there is a properly working traffic light.
Make no mistake, I love Cebu and I believe that it’s the best place to live in the country. The traffic problems are not that difficult to manage if the will to do so is there.
Sadly, its not there. (FREEMAN)