Solon wants Cebu’s ‘own MMDA’

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City North District Representative Raul del Mar has re-filed the bill creating a Metro Cebu Development Authority (MCDA), a body similar to the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Del Mar made the announcement during a meeting of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board last Friday.

He said that there were already bills filed as to the creation of the MCDA, the first time was 20 years ago, but so far all failed to get the nod of Congress.

The FREEMAN columnist Valeriano “Bobit” Avila, who was present during the meeting, also pointed out the need for the said body that could concentrate on the traffic system. Avila formerly served as chairman of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management.

Avila said that in one of his columns, he already mentioned the Cebu’s counterpart for MMDA should put together Land Transportation Office, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the traffic management bodies of the Metro Cebu cities.

It should be headed by a mayor, with the vice chairman coming from the private sector since each Metro Cebu City is entitled to have a private sector representative to this traffic body.

He cited the need to focus on the enforcement of traffic laws and stop drivers from repeatedly committing violations.

He further suggested a “three-strike” policy which he implemented among trisikad drivers. He explained that the erring drivers caught on three occasions within a year violating any traffic rule should have their licenses automatically revoked.

“It’s merit and demerit system. If you’re caught for the third time regardless of what violation, CITOM will confiscate your license and give you a ticket for you to return home with your car. You cannot drive for six months,” he said.

The MCDCB earlier pointed out that metropolitan management will help in addressing traffic concerns.  (FREEMAN)