Outside Qimonda center: Traffic office to grant IBP request for traffic signs

CEBU, Philippines - In order to prevent further accidents, the Cebu City Transportation Office will grant the request of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu City Chapter to put up traffic signs, and establish a pedestrian lane outside the Qimonda IT Center along Sergio Osmeña Boulevard.

However, CCTO executive director Rey Gealon said his office still needs the approval of the Cebu Ports Authority and the Department of the Public Works and Highways-7 since the Qimonda IT Center is within their jurisdiction.

“CCTO cannot commence road markings in the area as the direct frontage of Qimonda (IT Center) is within the jurisdiction of CPA and across the fence which is S. Osmeña Avenue is a national road under DPWH,” he said.

All Cebu City courts have been transferred to the Qimonda IT Center after the Palace of Justice was declared unsafe after sustaining damages from the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in 2013.

Gealon said he has already communicated with CPA and DPWH.

“We likewise look forward to their (CPA and DPWH) positive and prompt response on the matter in the interest of pedestrian and motorist safety,” he said.

In a January 15 letter, IBP Cebu City Chapter president Hidelito Pascual asked Gealon to provide “best traffic management services” to the public. Gealon received the letter last January 27.

In Pascual’s letter, court officers and employees have expressed concern over their safety after an accident took place outside the premises of Qimonda.

“The public was alarmed when a man following up a court case was killed while crossing the road in front of Qimonda IT Center last December 23, 2015,” he said.

Pascual said he is hoping that CCTO will address the problem immediately to further avoid accidents in the area.

“As the traffic enforcement arm of the City of Cebu, CITOM’s (now CCTO) mission is to provide best traffic management services to the general public so as to ensure the safety and the security of life, person or property,” he said.

 “On this note, IBP Cebu City Chapter respectfully requests your office to inspect the area in front of Qimonda IT Center where the Palace of Justice is now located and to assess if pedestrian lanes and warning signs have been put up and if a traffic enforcer is visible in the vicinity,” Pascual added.

“The absence of these would endanger the life of employees, litigants and other court users who cross said very busy street every day,” he added.   (FREEMAN)