“We have an increasing number of vehicular accidents in the last two (2) months mostly because the driver is intoxicated with liquor. So please always remind your family members to not drive when they are drunk.” This is the call of the City Traffic Management and Terminal Office (CTMTO) Head, Mr. Jerson Colocar during the Barangay Assembly in Barangay Maganhan, Baybay City on March 19, 2023 (Sunday).
Mr. Colocar added that when using a single motor, both the driver and the passenger must wear a helmet to avoid penalty and for their own safety. He further explained that, “Section 1 of Ordinance #5, Series 2019 states that wearing of helmets and bonnets are prohibited only within the oblacion of the city. However, those caught not wearing helmet along the national highway shall be issued with a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel and those deputized by the LTO.”
But Mr. Colocar explained during the said Barangay Assembly that the City of Baybay has its own Traffic Code and that the CTMTO issues a Citation Ticket against violators, the penalty of which is much lower compared to that of the TOP. “However, the violator must pay the penalty for his or her violation within three (3) days at the CTMTO Main Office at the New Baybay City Hall. Otherwise, we will report the violation to the LTO and a case will be filed against the violator at the Office of the City Prosecutor,” added Mr. Colocar.
The CTMTO Head said that the violator must personally settle his penalty at the CTMTO Main Office, “Because before the official receipt is given to them, they shall undergo a lecture on the traffic rules and regulations in the city to avoid future violations.”
Mr. Colocar also revealed to the residents of Barangay Maganhan that the Local Government Unit of Baybay City, thru the local officials headed by Baybay City Mayor Hon. Jose Carlos L. Cari, Vice Mayor Atty. Ernesto Butawan and the Sangguniang Panlungsod, provides “ayuda” to the transport groups quarterly. “We have just distributed the ayuda for the first semester last March 15 and those who have not claimed their ayuda may claim them at the CTMTO Main Office and must bring their updated Driver’s ID of 2023,” added Mr. Colocar.
He also revealed that thru an ordinance, the transport groups may also receive medical and burial assistance, as well an allowance of two hundred pesos (P200.00) per day if they are confined in the hospital for ten (10) days per year. The drivers and their family members may also avail of free check-up, “And the office will help them secure the medicines they need and undergo the need laboratories, if ever.”
Finally, Mr. Colocar said that Baybayanons must report to him immediately any unpleasant attitude of the traffic enforcers so that he may call their attention and may correct the attitude unbecoming of a public servant, if proven true based on the evidences provided by the complainant. “We must help each other to sustain the city’s battle cry of Order (Kahapsay), Kalinaw (Peace), Kalamboa-an (Prosperity),” ended Mr. Colocar. (Marissa Miguel Cano, City Information Officer, Baybay City, Leyte)
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