Court affirms TMTRO's power to confiscate driver's license
The Regional Trial Court (RTC)-6 Branch 26 affirmed that the Iloilo City Government's Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation Office (TMTRO) has the power to confiscate the driver's license during apprehension for certain violations.
In a decision dated May 22, 2017, the RTC-6 Branch 26 junked, for lack of merit, the petition filed by Atty. Daniel V. Cartagena questioning the validity of Regulation Ordinance No. 338 which bestowed to policemen and traffic aides the power and authority to confiscate driver's license.
In dismissing Cartagena's complaint, the Court, thereby sustains the validity of the questioned ordinance and the authority of TMTRO to confiscate driver's license of erring motorists.
The Court held among others that "…Section 62 of Republic Act 4136 juxtapose with ordinance No. 338, contrary to the concept of the petitioner, there is no conflict between the two provisions and complement each other in the exercise of traffic management."
The City Government welcomed the decision affirming the power of its traffic enforcers.
"The decision is a manifestation of Iloilo City Government's authority to pass wholesome and reasonable regulations provided under the Local Government Code of 1991. We are happy of the decision," said City Administrator Atty. Hernando C. Galvez. (Iloilo City PIO)
City's 'free ride' caters 14T stranded commuters
Almost 14,000 stranded commuters availed of Iloilo City Government's "free ride" services going to work, school and home during the two-day transport strike June 5-6.
Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog thanked national agencies which supported the initiative to cushion the inconvenience caused by strike to the riding public.
City Hall activated its Command Center to manage overall operations, with vehicles pooled as early as 4am for the briefing by incident commander, prior to their deployment to terminals and pick-up points by 5:30am.
Forty-eight service vehicles of City Government, Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were deployed to different terminals including Ungka, Hibao-an, Mohon, Tagbak, Ceres terminal at Buhang, Mandurriao Plaza, Jaro Plaza, La Paz market, City Hall, Capitol, and other areas.
Barangay patrols were also utilized to ferry residents.
Medical teams of City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) and City Health Office (CHO) were also deployed to administer check-up and immediately respond to those needing emergency assistance.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) also allowed two Ceres buses to enter City Proper area from their terminal in Jaro. (Iloilo City PIO)