|
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Council denies plea of pay parking firm
By Aledel GonzalezCuizon
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
THE Mandaue City Council refused to lift its directive for Jadewell Parking Systems to cease and desist from operating its towing services, prompting the company to immediately submit accreditation papers.
The company was also reminded that fines and penalties accrue to the City and should not be collected by a private entity.
Jadewell chief executive officer Rogelio Tan appeared before the City Council Tuesday afternoon and asked that Jadewell be allowed to continue its towing operations, pending the company’s accreditation.
Tan said that considering the length of time it will take for the accreditation, his company will lose income and be forced to dismiss more personnel.
He added that no formal notice was issued to his company to stop its towing operations.
Accreditation first
Councilor Jonas Cortes refused to grant Tan’s request, saying the company should secure accreditation first.
“It’s like allowing what is not allowed by law,” Cortes said.
Councilor Carlo Pontico Fortuna advised Tan to submit all requirements immediately so the accreditation process can begin.
Jadewell’s accreditation will be referred to the committee on transportation, which Councilor Glenn Bercede heads.
Last week, the City Council directed Jadewell to suspend towing operations until it secures accreditation from the City.
Tan, however, said the company is only implementing the City’s pay parking ordinance, which has a provision for towing.
He also said the City allowed the company to collect fines and penalties aside from the prescribed parking fees.
Collection of fines
Fortuna corrected Tan, saying the ordinance was amended to stress that the City collects the fines and penalties.
Tan, however, said he did not receive a copy of the amendment.
Vice Mayor Amadeo Seno Jr. was apparently disappointed with the “ambiguity,” saying with the amendment, there are already two interpretations of the ordinance.
Sought for comment on the Council’s refusal to grant Jadewell’s request, Mayor Thadeo Ouano said that if the City needs a tow truck to remove a stalled vehicle on a major street, it will be forced to tap Jadewell’s services “for the sake of public welfare.”
“We will just make adjustments,” the mayor told reporters yesterday.
Also at the session last Tuesday, Tan heard the bad experiences of some councilors with Jadewell’s services.
High blood
Councilor Dionisio Ceniza said that last December, his blood pressure rose because his wife’s car was towed to the Jadewell compound without their driver’s consent.
Jadewell personnel reportedly replied in a rude manner when told that the car belonged to Ceniza.
Councilor Procopio Villanueva also narrated that his brother-in-law was about to change a flat tire of his jeepney when Jadewell towed it.
After hearing the complaints, Tan apologized to the councilors for the treatment they got.
Tan said Jadewell personnel are trained to be polite and courteous in dealing with motorists and if proven they have violated this rule, they will be immediately dismissed.
(February 24, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
