Mayor Benjamin S. Lim assured on January 25 that that the city government, through the city legal office, is seeking all means to consider the petition filed by the Alliance of United Transport Organization (AUTOPRO) opposing the enactment of Ordinance No. 1848-2005 or the Modified Day Coding System to Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) operators and drivers. 

Taking into consideration the group’s plea, Mayor Lim welcomed the possibility of initiating a revision on the city’s traffic ordinance as long as it is applicable with the present traffic condition of Dagupan. 

“It’s good that AUTOPRO expressed its opposition in the ordinance for us to realize if there is a need to make necessary adjustments or amendments,” the mayor said in a radio interview. 

City legal officer Geraldine Baniqued stressed that the city government simply prioritized the general interest over the private interest or individual concerns of any particular sector when it approved the ordinance two years ago. 

“When it was passed, the members of the council did not choose to discriminate any transport group but simply listened to the voice of the majority,” she said. 

She noted that the passage of the ordinance was made in accordance with all the legal requirements and due process was religiously observed as all concerned sectors were invited and attended the series of public hearing and consultations. 

“The making of this ordinance was not done overnight. It took lots of experimentation and consultation to get the best solution in decongesting traffic in the city,” Baniqued said. 

Prior to its implementation, Baniqued said that the traffic ordinance even created some adverse and negative reactions from the affected sectors but were properly addressed and considered, eventually drawing support from the transport groups. 

She said that the traffic ordinance was enacted as it is undeniable that the number of vehicles plying the streets of Dagupan continue to increase. 

Records of the public order and safety office bared that there are approximately 3,900 PUJs, 600 buses and 3,600 tricycles granted franchise by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to enter the city excluding the aircon vans which have not yet been granted franchise and other colorum vehicles. (CIO/Leziel T. Cayabyab)