Cebu provincial gov’t declares traffic crisis

October 15, 2019

The Cebu provincial government on Monday approved a resolution to declare traffic crisis. 

The provincial board approved two resolutions filed by board member Glenn Socco (6th district) on addressing traffic congestion. 

“The nature and magnitude of traffic and congestion in the thoroughfares is to be considered as a public calamity. The effects are catastrophic and terrible. It must be considered a crisis of national significance,” Soco said in his privilege speech. 

In his measures, Soco asked for a declaration of traffic crisis and urged the Senate and Congress to fast track plans on giving President Rodrigo Duterte emergency powers to address the issue. 

Soco cited a 2018 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which bared traffic in the province results to P1.1 billion loss each day. He said priority projects which supposedly aims to address traffic woes are moving at a "snail phase."

"Problems include inadequate budget allocation, unsynchronized prioritization of projects, lack of coordination, poor planning implementation," the board member said. 

He  added the issue can be also attributed to "undisciplined drivers and commuters, lack of coordination between public and private sectors as well as the local government units, lack of road safety education, and poor compliance in road safety rules."

Soco also explained his other resolution asked for the approval on requests to allow Duterte to use emergency powers. 

"The other resolution I filed requests the Congress and Senate to pursue legislation giving the president emergency powers," he said in a radio interview over dzMM on Tuesday. 

"That law also included the creation of the Metro Cebu Traffic Coordinating Council," he added.

The council, if approved, will stand as the counterpart of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the province. 

"The traffic that I experienced in Manila is similar to what I experience here," said Soco.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS