81 drivers arrested for traffic violations

CEBU, Philippines - At least 81 drivers were arrested as the Cebu City Transportation Office intensified its implementation of traffic rules in the city.

CCTO executive director Rey Gealon said their operation last Monday in the North Reclamation Area was due to series of accidents and the persistent complaints from passengers and motorists over overloading.

"PUJ overloading was done with impunity even in the presence and at the sight of traffic enforcers who exercise maximum tolerance in traffic enforcement. CCTO decided, it was enough," said Gealon.

He said of the 81 drivers apprehended, 10 are from Cebu City while the rest are from the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Danao and Bogo, and from other towns in the north.

Gealon advised the apprehended drivers to settle their obligations with the Traffic Violation Bureau or they will face a criminal case in court.

"May they be reminded that the safety of their passengers is their legal and moral responsibility as "common carriers" under the Civil Code of the Philippines," said Gealon.

Gealon also confirmed that they already received the list of persons sought to be arrested by the police for violation of City Ordinance 801, otherwise known as the "Traffic Code of Cebu City."

He said the warrants of arrest for last month have already been issued by Executive Judge Monalila Tecson of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 1.

"The number of warrants issued for the month of March is expected to increase as soon as the other MTCC branches will make available its listing," said Gealon.

Of those issued with warrants, he said only 20 percent of the drivers are residents of Cebu City, as some are from Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Talisay City, Danao City, Toledo City, and towns of Minglanilla, Pinamungajan and Sogod.

Gealon advised drivers who have pending arrest warrants to appear before the MTCC Branch 1 or settle their violation with the CCTO's Traffic Violation Bureau.

"For those who are issued TCTs (traffic citation tickets) for their traffic violation, it is better to settle it now before it reaches the courts," said Gealon.

He said the filing of charges is pursuant to their "Zero Case Backlog" policy aimed at promoting good results of traffic enforcement and traffic education. (FREEMAN)