Traffic enforcement

I have always been a strong advocate of an orderly traffic which can only be achieved by trained and disciplined traffic enforcers.

An orderly traffic means an efficient and well-run city and police. Media must support proper traffic enforcement.

All these years I have not had a brush with traffic enforcers. But yesterday noon my driver Edgar Saraga was arguing with two in civilian clothes who turned out to be deputy traffic enforcers. That was the first time I heard of deputy traffic enforcers.

My driver told me he was ordered to move the pick up but he asked who was he. It turned out to be Edward John Lucasan who, my driver said, refused to show his ID. Then another who turned out to be Isidro Peralta who had his ID.

I told the two I had instructed my driver not to believe traffic enforcers without uniform and more so without ID. I noted the two were trying to impress me with their newly acquired power.

I just told them to file charges and we will file counter charges. Trained traffic enforcers are strict, firm but courteous.

* * *

I am calling the attention of Mayor Bing Leonardia, our city councilors, and Police Chief Col. Pete Merced to disband these deputy traffic enforcers until they are properly trained. I noted there was that air of showing off their power. The public too should be informed and made to accept that there are deputy traffic enforcers. Without people acceptance this will surely fail.

What will stop impostors from mulcting drivers by claiming to be a deputy enforcer in civilian clothes and carrying fake IDs and TVRs? The city will be creating problems bigger than the ones it is trying to solve.

* * *

A few years ago there were many times we had deputy traffic enforcers. The project did not last. It created bigger problems. I don't know whose idea is this again.

At one time traffic violators were the well-known personalities in the city and beyond the reach of ordinary cops.

So, a motorcycle group, "The Thunderbugs," was deputized. Thunderbugs people were rich and powerful men themselves who could afford costly motorcycles.

But this too did not last. If they could not confiscate driver's license they would be useless. Then they confiscated driver's license but they have no right, if challenged in court.

* * *

To solve traffic problems does not need deputy traffic enforcers.

What is needed is an honest-to-goodness implementation of the traffic laws. This means being consistently strict. It is useless to be strict today and lax tomorrow.

There will be complaints but in the end people will accept it. And only when traffic enforcers are honest. Corrupt TEs destroy traffic enforcement. There are fake TVRs (traffic violation receipts) and this is the source of corruption.

I believe those apprehended must be charged, imposed a fine and jailed, if necessary with their driver's license revoked. We don't need many people to do this. Just a few serious ones will do just like what traffic cops in other countries are doing.

No compromise. No "areglo". You violate the law, you are charged. You argue with traffic cops? You are handcuffed and brought to the precinct. They just mean business. Everybody obeys. In the U.S. and in Europe and also in Japan traffic cops are highly respected.

Police chief Merced is tough. I hope he can do it. If Bayani Fernando who used to idolize Mayor Bing Leonardia can do it in Metro Manila, why can it not be done here in Bacolod.

What it needs is just a political will. You may be surprised people will give it their support. People never like weak leaders. Bayani Fernando is unpopular with Metro Manila mayors but loved by the people.

I'd like to ask Colonel Merced, study very well the fielding of deputy traffic enforcers. Based on past experience, deputizing private citizens to enforce traffic gave problems.

* * *

I am happy to hear from Romy Niere from Austin, Texas that his heart operation is okay. He will call tonight at 8 at NPC to greet and be greeted by friends. He sponsors the Celebrity Night in honor of his late wife Lorna whose birthday was Feb. 8.

I was saddened by the passing away of an old friend, Ramon "Jake" Imperial, a former neighbor at Homesite. Condolence to the family.

I also want to condole with the family of the late Bert Pefianco who also died this week.

And also condolence to the family of the late Lilia Tan, wife of fellow media man Rev. Dr. Rene C. Tan.

Rene Tan was telling me a few days ago, "Life must go on." And he plans to be busy. I said, yes. That's how to keep ourselves fit and trim. Idle minds are the nest of evil thoughts.

I would like to believe, my tocaya Mrs. Prima "Inday" Pefianco is of the same thought.

We have to accept the realities of life which, to quote Omar Khayam: "The Wine of Life keeps oozing drop by drop,/ The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one."*

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