Tomas tells CITOM to file raps against Joel, others

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor on-leave Tomas Osmeña instructed the City Traffic Operations Management to speed up the filing of appropriate charges against those who allegedly intervened when illegally parked vehicles were about to be towed by private towing firms the CITOM has hired.

He was referring to the cases of Tinago barangay councilman Joel Garganera and P02 Emem Cabilao who reportedly prevented the personnel of One Stop Towing Services from pulling out two illegally parked vehicles in barangays Capitol Site and Guadalupe last April 8.

“I am encouraging CITOM to file the proper case in court to determine guilt. I would ask Pablo John (referring to Cebu 3rd district Rep. Pablo John Garcia) and [broadcaster Pablito “Bobby”] Nalzaro what should be done, they would say it is better to debate about it because a court case would take too long. Yabag,” Osmeña said.

It was Osmeña who revived the act of towing illegally parked vehicles off city roads as his way of solving the traffic congestion in many city streets brought about by illegal parking.

CITOM, with the approval of the City Council, hired the services of the Road Warriors Towing Service and One Stop Towing Service to assist in the towing of illegally parked vehicles, including motorcycles.

But while the personnel of One Stop Towing was about to tow a vehicle they caught illegally parked at the vicinity of a hospital in the uptown area at 1:30 a.m. of April 8, Garganera – who is one of Osmeña’s critics – came to the rescue of the vehicle. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)