Stiffer LTO rules to deputize traffic personnel imposed

The Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 is implementing stiffer regulations in deputizing traffic personnel.

LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec said that based on their guidelines on Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication (LETA), only regular government employees would be deputized in order to hold them accountable for their actions.

“They should be regular (employees) so that there will be bond and accountability. Likewise, there shall be no existing complaint against them in the Office of the Ombudsman,” Caindec said.

Caindec said that 100 percent of Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu City, and Cebu City are now deputized.

LTO-7 is also waiting for the request and list of personnel to be deputized from the Airport Police, Philippine Army, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“In order that the correct implementation of the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) will not be misinterpreted, that’s why we are having stiffer guidelines in deputizing traffic personnel, especially that the law’s penalty and fines have increased,” he added.

Meanwhile, Caindec said that they are now collaborating with the management of Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) for safe trips of passengers for the Holy Week.

“Three weeks ago we’ve already collaborated with CSBT and provincial bus operators so that we can conduct visual reviews and to reinforce our agreement to conduct drug test to all bus drivers before Holy Week,” he said.

He said that they’ve already conducted road worthiness tests to all buses and minibuses in the North and South Bus Terminal by checking their headlights, brakes and tires, in relation to their Oplan Biyaheng Ayos 2018.

He said that they would conduct another series of inspections within the Holy Week, and they would also implement road assistance to all motorists.

CSBT Operations Chief Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak also revealed that all bus and minibus personnel have already undergone drug testing, where seven of them were tested positive.

On Sunday, Tumulak said that they had met with all chiefs of police and traffic managers in the first district, where traffic gridlock would usually occur, as part of their preparation for the Holy Week.

“We have asked them about what different activities that they will hold during Holy Week that may affect the flow of traffic, especially to churches that are located along the roads,” Tumulak said.

He said that they had also identified the peak hours in deploying traffic personnel.

“Our traffic managers should work hand-in-hand in handling our traffic situation,” he added.

Tumulak is also appealing to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-7 to clear their heavy equipment along the road, especially those at the on-going road construction project in San Fernando town.

“If there is an existing excavation, proper early warning devices should be present to avoid accidents,” he said.

He saidd that the Cebu Provincial government had already augmented 100 personnel, PNP and blue guards to help in the operation of CSBT during the Holy Week and to ensure safety, peace and order of passengers.

He also reminded passengers to avoid bringing bladed weapons, pistols, butane, chemicals among others.

He also said that there would be a lane designated for senior citizens, pregnant women, passengers with infants, and Persons with disability (PWDs).

Tumulak also advised the public to travel early and avoid the influx of passengers going home starting on Wednesday.