Cebu Traffic Enforcers Criticized for Ticketing Driver with Flat Tire Instead of Helping
A recent incident in Cebu City has ignited widespread criticism after traffic enforcers from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) issued a citation to a driver with a flat tire instead of providing assistance. The case quickly went viral on social media, drawing attention from high-ranking officials and prompting swift action to rectify the situation.
Official Intervention and Investigation
The matter captured the attention of Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), as highlighted in a Facebook post by retired colonel Bonifacio Laqui Bosita, chairman of the Riders’ Safety Advocates of the Philippines. Bosita reported that Lacanilao investigated and dismissed the enforcers in Cebu City involved in repeated complaints from motorists.
Raquel Arce, in her own Facebook post, confirmed that after hearing from both the enforcers and the complainant, lapses in the apprehension were identified. The enforcers had issued a ticket for "Parking on the Sidewalk" at the South Road Properties (SRP), an area not typically used for parking. However, the driver was not parking; he had pulled over to change a flat tire and avoid obstructing traffic.
Definition of Parking and Enforcement Errors
By definition, parking involves stopping, disengaging, and leaving a vehicle in a designated area for a period of time. Since the driver remained with his vehicle, he was not parking. As a result, the ticket was canceled, and no fine was required, a decision echoed by Arce and supported by Cebu City Mayor Nestor D. Archival's order for the CCTO to address the wrongful apprehension.
The two enforcers were referred to a mediation team for a possible four-day refresher course during their days off, rather than being dismissed. This raises questions about whether they are the same individuals mentioned in Bosita's post, as jurisdictional issues between the CCTO and LTO remain unclear.
Broader Enforcement Concerns in Cebu City
The incident has sparked broader concerns about traffic enforcement priorities in Cebu City. Critics question why enforcers targeted a driver in need on a relatively clear highway, such as the Cebu South Coastal Road, while ignoring rampant illegal parking in other areas.
For instance, persistent violations occur along R.R. Landon St. and near the Police Regional Office 7 headquarters, including areas beside Cebu Normal University and the road to the Cebu City Sports Center, where "Clamping Zone" or "Towing" signs are often disregarded. Similarly, sidewalks from Fuente Osmeña Circle to downtown are frequently obstructed by parked vehicles, with enforcement actions being sporadic at best.
These violations are highly visible yet often overlooked, leading to accusations that the CCTO selectively enforces rules. If Arce and her office are truly committed to fair traffic enforcement, immediate action on these widespread issues is necessary to restore public trust and ensure equitable application of laws.
