Cotabato City implements new traffic code

UPGRADED TRAFFIC CODE --- The Cotabato City Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) spearheaded a “traffic summit” last September 13 held at South Seas Convention Hall as it implements the new traffic code of the city to further cushion traffic congestion. At inset is City Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama (4th from left) who signs MOA with representatives from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 12, Land Transportation Office (LTO) 12, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police, Highway Patrol Group, Rotary Club Cotabato City-South, Radio Mindanao Network (DXMY), ABS-CBN Network, and Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation (DXMS). (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

COTABATO CITY --- The city government of Cotabato has adopted a new traffic code approved to regulate and manage the growing traffic situation here.

Vice-Mayor Graham Nazer G. Dumama, in an interview, said they started with the first day of implementation last Friday, September 15.

Dumama said they have created one-way streets, one of which is the SK Pendatun Avenue from downtown heading to the Super area.

“It is the only way to further cushion traffic congestion,” said Dumama.

Newly opened roads, he added, have also helped ease traffic like the one in front of the City Hall (People’s Palace) going to Notre Dame Village and the diversion road located in Malagapas.

“These definitely helped our motorists,” he said.

Councilor Eduardo Rabago, Jr., who chairs the SP committee on transportation, said they are planning to have an advocacy campaign to fully inform the public about the new traffic code. “Rest assured we will inform the public so they could adopt with our new traffic code.”

As part of the advocacy, the city SP spearheaded a “traffic summit” last September 13 that was held at South Seas Convention Hall.

Further, Dumama said with the 2016 Revised Traffic Code, the city government will be strictly implementing stiffer penalties on violators.  “We came up with this right after we updated the laws so we can be more responsive to the present needs of the city.”

“The 2016 Revised Traffic Code is fully upgraded,” he said.

“Upgrading the traffic code depends on the changing times. This time, we placed higher penalties to violators so there will be discipline from their end. After all, it’s for everybody’s safety,” he added.

In some areas, the city government will be implementing the “no parking” policy.

Meanwhile, the vice mayor also suggested the putting up of at least two integrated terminals, one for the north and one for the south bound passengers.

Earlier, Dumama emphasized that the SP shall not entertain anymore application for franchise of terminals, except when it is favourably endorsed by the city mayor or the executive department.

“In the previous practice, application is done here. But let me tell you, it is purely on the executive level in nature,” he said.

Dumama said it is only appropriate for the franchise applicants to direct their application to the executive department so they will be properly guided with the requirements needed. (GILMHAR A. LAO - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)