The Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has publicly defended a recent clearing operation that resulted in the temporary immobilization of vehicles belonging to city councilors, stating it was a routine response to a formal complaint and not a targeted action.
Standard Procedure Followed Amid Sinulog Preparations
In an official statement released on January 17, 2026, CCTO head Raquel Arce explained that the operation was conducted by the Traffic Enforcement and Operations Division (TEOD) on January 13, 2026. The action was initiated following a complaint from the Sinulog 2026 Multi-Agency Coordination Center (MACC) regarding unauthorized parking along D. Jakosalem Street, a designated "No Parking Zone."
Arce emphasized that traffic enforcers discovered several unattended, privately owned vehicles in the restricted area. Although some displayed Sinulog 2026 "car pass" stickers, the absence of drivers made it impossible to immediately verify ownership. This situation compelled personnel to follow standard immobilization protocols.
"The vehicles were unmarked, privately owned, and unattended, leaving our personnel with no opportunity to confirm ownership," Arce stated. She clarified that clamp boots were attached as part of the process but were neither locked nor accompanied by citation tickets at that stage.
Councilors' Vehicles Identified, Clamps Removed
Among the vehicles temporarily immobilized were those owned by Councilor Winston Pepito and another city councilor. Arce reported that Councilors Alvin Arcilla and Winston Pepito later arrived at the scene and properly identified the vehicles.
Upon this confirmation, CCTO personnel immediately halted the immobilization process and removed the clamp boots. No further enforcement action was taken against the officials.
Arce addressed circulating online videos, noting they failed to show the subsequent removal of the clamps, which contributed to public misunderstanding. She reiterated that while councilors enjoy parking privileges in certain areas, enforcement is challenging when vehicles are unmarked or lack clear, identifiable authorization.
"Parking privileges apply only to properly identified vehicles," Arce said, adding that access stickers do not automatically function as parking permits.
CCTO Stresses Duty to Enforce Law Amid Festival Season
The CCTO head firmly stated that the operation was carried out without any intent to offend city officials. The primary goal was to enforce traffic regulations and address an official complaint during the busy Sinulog season.
"We were left with no choice but to respond and enforce the law, which is the primary function of our office," Arce asserted.
She expressed hope for an amicable resolution to the issue and called for public understanding as traffic authorities work to manage road safety and parking enforcement throughout the Sinulog festivities. The agency remains focused on its mandate to ensure orderly traffic flow, especially during major city events.
