Council to CCTO: Clear Brgy Apas road of barriers

CEBU, Philippines – The Team Rama-dominated Cebu City Council ordered road obstructions at the back of Apas Elementary School in Barangay Apas removed to improve the flow of vehicle traffic in this area.

The City Council made the directive to the Cebu City Transportation Office after the latter submitted to the body an inspection report on the area.

The FREEMAN tried to call Rafael Christopher Yap, who heads the CCTO, to get his comment on this development, but he was not available as of press time.

The city government has been receiving complaints from the residents that the ambulant vendors and illegally parked vehicles are obstructing the roadway and are causing traffic.

But prior to the council's order, the City Assessor's Office responded to the query of Yap regarding the ownership of the road lot.

Based on the assessor's records, the lot is owned by the government.

"As per record on file and verification from our Tax Mapping Division Head Apolinario Salares Jr., the said road is part of Lot 950 Banilad Estate with a total land area of 26, 621 sq.m under Tax Declaration No. GRC6-03-020-002259 declared under Republic Act of the Philippines," reads CAO report dated December 2.

In their ocular inspection last November, CCTO personnel found out that ambulant vendors have installed makeshift stalls on both sides of the road.

"The said alley/access road shall be cleared from obstructions in order to give way for vehicular passage especially during times of emergency," CCTO report dated December 7 reads.

In a separate interview, Apas Barangay Captain Ramil Ayuman has attributed the traffic congestion in his barangay to the vehicles illegally parked near the primary school.

Ayuman is in favor of clearing the roadway and sidewalk areas from illegally parked vehicles.

He said motorists should no longer be allowed to stay on the road while they are queuing to pick up passengers.

"Wa'y problema basta sila tanan kay kung ang vendors ra gamay ra kaayo na sila oy. Malipay gyud ko ana," he said.

Ayuman said removal of the road obstructions will allow free-flowing traffic that will help responders during emergencies.

"Well, dako ni siyag tabang nga dili nato mahitabo last year nga naay sunog maglisod og sulod ang fire truck," he said. — /KBQ (FREEMAN)