CEBU, Philippines- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has put on hold the permit of Sugbo Bikers to conduct a Penitential Ride on April 2 until he will be convinced that the organizers are ready for the event.
This was after the mayor was “upset” about the result of the Earth Hour night biking that over 5, 000 bikers participated in last Saturday.
Rama said traffic was so bad because of the bikers that he had to get out of his car to direct vehicle flow last Saturday.
“Nahibong ko nganong traffic ang Fuente that I have to get out of the car. I thought they prepared for a lane. I thought they were all expanded and comprehensive in preparing for it,” he said, adding that the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management and the Philippine National Police have set conditions for the event.
CITOM has required organizer Habagat Outdoor Equipment to deploy 52 marshals wearing reflectorized vests at 26 intersections.
Rama said that he was only after the safety and security of the participants, and is not against the bikers and the activity.
“Mura sila’g tag-iya sa dalan nga nakabuhi bisa’g asa agi. That should not be,” the mayor emphasized.
“Mag-organize gani kay, apil gyod na (safety measures). Pareha gud sa Sinulog, I had a one-on-one talk with all committees,” he added, stressing that all stakeholders should be involved in preparing any activities that involve thousands of participants.
On the Penitential Ride on Maundy Thursday, Rama said that he will meet the organizer of the event before granting approval.
He said that he will only allow the event when he sees that the organizers are ready.
“I am holding it (approval) temporarily until and unless I am convinced,” he said.
Rama said that he will sit down with the Sugbo Bikers as soon as possible along with the City Traffic Operations managemnent with CITOM and Quick Response Team to plan out the event.
“I’m bringing the Quick Response Team, dili na mahimo nga maawahi atong pagpreparar ug reactionary ra ta. Upset kaayo ko gatan-aw sa Fuente. Pasabot, I will have a meeting again. What happened to my directive?” Rama said.
City Councilor Gerardo Carillo, a Sugbo Bikers member and one of the organizers, said he was willing to comply with all the conditions set forth by the city government and the mayor.
Sugbo Bikers has over 1,000 members. (FREEMAN)