Council to convene traffic body after JVR's recent move

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City Council wants to convene the City of Talisay-Traffic Development Authority to resolve traffic issues after the mayor stripped three officials of their memberships. 

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Danilo Caballero, he urged Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to immediately convene the TMB so that the worsening traffic problem in the city could be resolved immediately.

De los Reyes earlier revoked the executive functions given to Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante and Councilors Caballero and Aldin Diaz.

Citing Section 7 of the 4th Sangguniang Panlungsod Ordinance 2012-09, otherwise known as the "Revised Traffic Code of the City of Talisay," Caballero said the mayor has the power to supervise and control CT-TODA.

It can be recalled that Villarante, the mayor's running mate in the 2013 elections, had been appointed as the mayor's representative to the local traffic board. But now, De los Reyes is said to be considering appointing Councilor Valeriano Ylanan, one of his remaining allies in the council, to head CT-TODA.

De los Reyes said he learned and received reports that traffic enforcers were "extorting money from motorists" during the vice mayor's term as CT-TODA head.

Villarante, upon learning the revocation of his executive function, said he was glad his executive function was cancelled because during his time as CT-TODA head, the mayor didn't allegedly approve his request for additional personnel and logistics.

"The existing CT-TODA is considered not well supervised and controlled by the office of the city mayor pursuant to the ordinance for even its governing board and policy-making body, which is the CT-TODA Council, has not been convened since Mayor Johnny De los Reyes assumed his office last July 2013, despite the fact that the worsening traffic situation in Talisay is a sensitive and serious matter," Caballero said. 

Among the members of the CT-TODA are the chairman of the Committee on Public Order, Safety, Traffic Management and Public Utilities of the Sangguniang Panlungsod; vice chairman - appointed by the mayor upon recommendation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod;

Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Public Order, Safety, Traffic Management and Public Utilities and with one vote from each member; chief of police; chief of traffic police; Land Transportation Officer; representative from the 2nd Engineering District, Department of Public Works and Highways;

City of Talisay Prosecutor; representative from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and president of the Association of Barangay Captains.  (FREEMAN)