Tuesday, June 05, 2007 Ledesma: TMG in focus By Jun Ledesma Sunbursts
I PERSONALLY think that TMG (Traffic Management Group) knows traffic management but it just severely lacks the guts and the sustained efforts to strictly implement the rules and regulations that it created in the first place.
Take the case of Acacia road that braces the Ateneo Matina campus. It is now made into a two-way traffic. Even if it's a bit narrow, it can handle two-way flow of vehicles. The problem is that TMG enforcers cannot enforce the "No Parking" regulations. They also do not apprehend drivers who defy the two-way traffic rules.
For such a critical chokepoint the cops should not be lenient. They should apprehend violators, tow parked cars, browbeat drivers even if they are close to city hall. The city mayor in the first place is averse to offenders.
At this crucial time when you have half a bridge that is yet to be restored and a flyover about to be constructed in Matina, traffic enforcers cannot afford to be softhearted. Weakness in the enforcement can only result to a monstrous traffic gridlock. Weakness invites abuse. This is what is happening in Ateneo Matina. You have some motorists who have elitist hang-ups, compounded by cops who seem to lose their balls when confronted by the former. This will not solve the mess. TMG enforcers must take hint from Mayor Duterte himself. I read that he will be there to personally see to it that traffic rules are implemented to the letter. In fact he has issued a stern warning to motorists to toe the line otherwise he will personally see to it that whoever sits behind the wheel will get a ticket for violation plus a tongue-lashing, if I know the Mayor.
BTW, those of you who wish to witness the oath taking ceremonies of come-backing Davao del Norte governor Dolfo del Rosario, I have his permission to announce that the event will be on June 27. It will be a triple treat. Re-elected Mayor Rey "CO" T. Uy requested the governor if he, along with the newly elected officials of Tagum City, can have a simultaneous oath-taking with him at the Capitol. Of course Dolfo cannot say no to that proposal since Tagum gave him an overwhelming victory in the city which is supposed to be the bailiwick of his opponent, outgoing Gov. Yayong Gementiza. This is one big celebration with fiesta atmosphere. I am sure that CO will foot some of the bills to make this event the grandest in Tagum City's political history! I am sure that the newly elected representatives, namely reelectionist Ariel Olano (1st District) and newcomer Anton Lagdameo (2nd district) will be there. If Anton is there, Dawn Z will not be far away. The venerable Don Antonio Floirendo and wife Nenita will be there. RDR has not really taken a respite even as the election has long been over. He has been going around the province to extend his gratitude to those who supported him. Along the way he personally consults directly with constituents what they expect from his governance although he had streamlined priority projects for this fresh term. I think that he has made the complete rounds of the province except the Island Garden City of Samal whose cityhood was his baby. My crystal ball tells me that all the mayors of Davao del Norte will be there except for one. Now guess who?!?
(For reactions email: ssdavao@gmail.com or scledesmajr@yahoo.com)
