Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has mandated a temporary prohibition on large trucks along key city arteries this coming Sunday. The move is a central part of traffic control and safety preparations for the massive Sinulog 2026 festivities.
Details of the Executive Order
The ban is enforced under Executive Order (EO) 054, Series of 2026. It specifically targets trucks, trailers, and delivery vans with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 6,500 kilograms. The restriction is in effect on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 12:01 a.m. until 9 p.m.—a period of nearly 21 hours.
Mayor Archival issued the order titled “Temporary Truck Ban Along Major Thoroughfares in Cebu City in Connection with Sinulog 2026.” The primary goals are to safeguard the huge number of pedestrians, avert major gridlock, and guarantee that emergency and essential service vehicles can move without obstruction during the festival.
Specific Routes Affected by the Ban
The truck ban will be enforced on two major corridors:
- From the Cebu South Coastal Road (CSCR) leading to Sergio Osmeña Avenue in Mandaue City.
- From Bulacao through N. Bacalso Avenue up to M.J. Cuenco Avenue in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
Reasoning and Enforcement
This decision followed a unanimous recommendation from the Traffic Management Coordination Board during its January 9 meeting. The board cited the expected surge in both crowd size and vehicular traffic. Mayor Archival invoked the city’s police power and the General Welfare Clause, noting that the Sinulog festival historically leads to extraordinary traffic volumes and increases the risk of delayed emergency responses.
The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will take the lead in enforcing the ban, working alongside the Philippine National Police and local barangay officials. The CCTO and the City Public Information Office have also been instructed to widely publicize the advisory and install proper signage along the affected routes.
Exemptions and Penalties
While standard exemptions under City Ordinance 1430 remain, a special temporary exemption is made for vehicles carrying perishable goods. This includes fresh food, agricultural produce, seafood, and meat. To be allowed passage, drivers must present valid delivery permits, invoices, or other documents that clearly describe their cargo and must follow all instructions from traffic authorities.
Violators of the truck ban will face penalties based on existing city ordinances governing truck traffic. It is crucial to note that this order is for January 18 only and will automatically expire at 9 p.m. on that same day.
