Friday, July 18, 2008 La Trinidad cops to manage traffic By Jane Cadalig
THE Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has granted the request of La Trinidad for the deputation of police personnel to help implement traffic laws.
But DOTC Regional Director Federico Mandapat Jr. said police officers need to undergo a reorientation seminar first before they could be allowed to implement traffic rules and regulations, a job which is under the jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Earlier, La Trinidad municipal officials asked the LTO for the deputation of some policemen to implement provision of Republic Act (RA) 4136 or the Land Traffic Code of the Philippines.
The town officials said the implementation of traffic rules at this time is hampered by the absence of policemen duly deputized by the LTO.
While police are enforcing traffic rules like obstruction and illegal parking, they could not confiscate licenses and plate numbers of violators, as they do not have the authority to do so.
Mandapat, however, reiterated that the policemen should first undergo a seminar on traffic laws before their deputation.
Confiscation of licenses and vehicle plate numbers of traffic violators is a job done by personnel of the LTO.
La Trinidad local officials also asked for the deployment of additional LTO officers in the town but this was not granted due to lack of LTO personnel.
Aside from the policemen, deputation for the enforcement of traffic regulations could also be issued to civilians or government employees holding permanent positions provided they undergo the required seminar.
