Capitol access road now open weekends

CEBU, Philippines - The access road at the Capitol compound will now be open to motorists and public utility vehicles everyday and for longer hours.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia decided to open the access road after she personally noticed the heavy traffic even up to 7 p.m. during weekends along Escario St. to Don Gil Garcia St.

Garcia told reporters that it was an executive decision since it was not in the memorandum of agreement the Capitol entered into with the City Traffic Operations and Management and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The Cebu City government did not also request it, said the governor.

The agreement stated that jeepneys, taxis, private vehicles and other light vehicles can use the access road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

But Garcia decided to have the access road open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Monday to Sunday.

The access road of the Capitol compound was opened to the public as an alternative to avoid traffic congestion at Don Gil Garcia St. last Oct. 24.

DPWH is currently carrying out a road-widening project at Don Gil Garcia St.

The access road can be used by vehicles bound for M. Velez St. coming from Escario St. because they will just make a right turn entering the Capitol premises then exit to M. Velez Street.

In order not to cause any disturbance in the Palace of Justice and the Legislative Building, CITOM is strictly implementing traffic rules and regulations to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

Under the MOA signed by the governor, CITOM, and the DPWH, the flow of traffic in the access road will be one-way and the stopping of vehicles, loading and unloading of passengers, parking and the blowing of horns are prohibited.

CITOM personnel are also being assisted by Capitol security personnel in managing traffic inside the compound. (FREEMAN)