Palace, MMDA to riding public: Keep your cool and follow the law

The government wants all of us to keep cool, and it isn’t about the sudden drop in temperatures and an unusually rainy December. It’s about how to remain cool-headed amid the horrendous traffic clogging up Metro Manila’s commercial thoroughfares due to the peak of the holiday shopping rush, and the start of the annual Christmas exodus that goes two-way between the metropolis and the provinces. Metro Manila traffic authorities have set up Christmas lanes to offer motorists alternate routes. Tollways leading out of and into the metropolis are coping with the increased volume, and bus firms are bracing in anticipation of the Christmas exodus by enforcing stricter security measures in terminals and stopovers. (See: Bus firms brace for Christmas exodus, arrivals) But apparently, Malacañang is not leaving any stone unturned, with deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte appealing to motorists on Saturday to keep their cool. Speaking on government-run dzRB radio, Valte urged the riding public to plan their trips ahead and avail of government services along the way. “Huwag mainit ang ulo sa daan. Hindi maganda pag masyadong mainit ulo sa daan. Umalis tayo nang kaunting aga para di madagdagan ang init ng ulo sa daan," she said. (Don’t be hotheaded on the road. It’s not nice. Instead, let’s start our trips earlier so that we remain cool-headed along the way.) Oplan Isnabero Valte also advised commuters to report abusive or unresponsive taxi drivers to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) 7890 hotline. DOTC secretary Jose de Jesus said the DOTC hotline operators are instructed to answer within two to three rings. (See: DOTC: Hotline vs abusive cabbies to answer calls in 2-3 rings) “Isumbong sa DOTC ang taxi driver na isnabero para matuto magkaroon ng leksyon ... Ine-encourage namin kayo para magkaroon ng disiplina ang pasaway na taxi driver," Valte said. (Report abusive taxi drivers to the DOTC to teach them a lesson… We encourage you to do that to instill discipline among these troublesome taxi drivers.) MMDA wants more penalties for stalled vehicles Meanwhile, the MMDA advised motorists to make sure their vehicles are in shape, since stalled vehicles in major thoroughfares only worsen the sticky traffic situation. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokeswoman Tina Velasco issued the appeal even as the MMDA waits to draw up the implementing rules for a resolution providing higher penalties for vehicles that stall in major roads. "Ang domino effect nag-uumpisa sa stalled vehicle sa daan, at dumami nitong Pasko. Kaya nai-bring up ito during Metro Manila Council last Tuesday," Velasco said in an interview on dzBB radio. (The stalled vehicles start a domino effect on roads, and cases have increased this Christmas season. That's why the matter of higher penalties was brought during last Tuesday's meeting of the Metro Manila Council.) "(We are asking motorists to) really check your vehicles, we're talking about roadworthiness," she added. The MMC is the policy-making body of the MMDA and approves metro-wide plans, programs and projects. Earlier this week, the MMC approved a resolution hiking the penalty for stalled or illegally parked vehicles along major thoroughfares from the current P200 to as much as P3,000. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the increase is needed if only to goad private motorists and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to properly maintain their vehicles. He added illegally parked vehicles and those that malfunction while on national highways greatly contribute to traffic congestion, especially during this holiday rush. "These vehicles get stalled in the roads because most probably, their engines are not properly maintained. We are only hoping that motorists, including PUV operators, would be more responsible in maintaining the road worthiness of their motor vehicles," he said. Velasco, however, admitted the bigger penalties may not take effect immediately as the implementing rules have yet to be approved. In the meantime, she said the MMDA will continue exploring other ways in its campaign to promote safe driving and easing traffic flow in main thoroughfares. Increased fines During the MMC meeting at the Muntinlupa City Hall last Tuesday, the MMC agreed to increase the P200 fine to P1,500 for light vehicles; P2,500 for medium-sized and P3,000 for heavy vehicles such as trucks and lorries. This is on top of the regular towing fees imposed on the owner of the stalled vehicle. For trucks with gross capacity weight of 4,000 kilos and above, the corresponding towing fee is P1,200 for the first four kilometers and P200 for every succeeding kilometer. Cars, jeeps, and pick-up vans having less than 4,000-kilo gross weight are charged P800 for the first four kilometers and P200 for every succeeding kilometer. The fines and towing fees shall be paid within three days from the date of the apprehension and towing, otherwise a daily impounding fee will be imposed on the owner of the towed vehicle, Tolentino said. For the first two months that the towed vehicle remains unclaimed, P40 day will be charged to the owner and P60 a day for the third and fourth months, and P80 a day for the fifth and succeeding months.—CGL/JV, GMANews.TV