Government vehicles not exempted from traffic rules – Villarete

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the Cebu City Administrator reminded the city’s transportation office that government vehicles are not exempted from traffic rules.

City Administrator Nigel Paul Villarete said he saw some vehicles bearing red plates that are violating traffic laws.

In a memorandum, Cebu City Transportation Office is reminded to uphold and enforce all traffic laws, rules, and regulations at all times, regardless of whether the vehicle in violation is a private or public/government vehicle.

The memorandum also reminded all city government vehicle drivers to strictly follow all traffic laws, rules, and regulations.

“How can we enforce traffic laws if government vehicles and government drivers are the first to violate the law? If we violate, we’re also adding to the traffic congestion,” he told The FREEMAN.

Further, CCTO should also enforce the traffic laws regardless of whether the person driving is a private or government official or employee.

“The City Government of Cebu, as a Local Government Unit, has a mandate to perform traffic management functions within its jurisdiction, and it is incumbent on all City Government officials and employees to perform such functions to achieve and accomplish the city’s mandate,” reads a portion of the memorandum which was signed by Assistant City Administrator Annabeth Cuizon.

Sought for comment, CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said he is thankful that his office is getting support from the executive office.

Ouano said there are several instances that traffic enforcers have clamped vehicles with red plate numbers that are illegally parked along the sidewalk.

“Hangyo pod namo sa mga drivers ug red plate nga mo-follow nalang gyud og balaod nato para dili ma-clamp-an kay matod pa ni mayor nga no one is above the law,” he said. (We are asking government drivers to follow the law so that their vehicles will not be clamped because as what the mayor said, no one is above the law.)

“Lisod sa among part nga enforcers pero kailangan gyud i-implementar ang balaod,” he added. (It is hard on the part of the enforcers but we have to implement the law.)

Ouano said enforcers have clamped at least 38 light vehicles that were illegally parked surrounding the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño but he has not seen government cars.

“Pero naa tay gibadlong pagbuntag (yesterday morning) nga naghunong sa no-stopping. Atong gibadlong lang kay naa man ang driver,” he said. (We called the attention of one driver this morning who stopped near a no-stopping sign.) (FREEMANNEWS)