Citom: Ban tankers and dump trucks from tunnel

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Traffic Operations Management Board (CITOM) wants to ban entry of combustible tankers and open dump trucks in the Cebu City subway tunnel for safety reasons.

CITOM Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem told The FREEMAN that he will raise this matter to the board during its meeting on Monday.

 “My proposal is intended for the safety of the commuters,” he said in a phone interview.

Jakosalem made this statement after a photo of a fuel tanker entering the McArthur side of the tunnel was posted on a social networking site.

But Jakosalem said the jurisdiction of the tunnel remains with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as the subway has not been turned over to CITOM.

“That is our problem. We cannot implement rules because DPWH has jurisdiction over the tunnel,” he said.

Nicomedes Leonor of DPWH District Engineer in Cebu City told The FREEMAN that the tunnel will not be turned over to CITOM. 

However, they can control the traffic flow of the tunnel in coordination with DPWH.

“But if they have plans to make some changes like the entry of vehicles, we have to inform our Regional Director (Ador Canlas),” Leonor said.

If CITOM’s plan pushes through, violators will pay a fine of P1,500 for the first offense, P2,500 for the second offense and confiscation of driver’s license for the third offense.

Cebu City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias once proposed an ordinance preventing motorcycles from entering the tunnel in June 2010.

However, the proposal was not passed by the council.

Cabarrubias wanted to prevent accidents involving motorcycles and pedestrians as well.

— /MBG (FREEMAN)