With sugar milling season underway, many pray the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will not issue a moratorium on apprehending overloaded trucks. Rumors last year suggested higher-ups within the agency wanted to proceed with such plans. The problem is overloaded trucks pose a danger to bridges, which may end up damaged if a truck is carrying a heavier load than its axle can tolerate; and DPWH is tasked with measuring the loads these vehicles carry.

For the sake of public safety, the agency must show concern for enforcing the law in order to avoid mishaps on the road, along with potential damage to bridges and roads. They also should not be afraid of politicians who offer threats if a truck owned by an influential personality is caught violating the law.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), meanwhile, is responsible for issuing penalties based on DPWH findings. LTO-Region VI (LTO-6) Director Roland Ramos said he has tasked Renato Novero, who previously headed the Bacolod City LTO, to lead the LTO-6 Provincial Law Enforcement Service, which oversees the entire province.

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Bacolod City motorists want to hear from the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office regarding traffic management plans. While the prospect of bringing in Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) personnel to assist in organizing traffic, they are also unfamiliar with the driving culture in the city.

According to an engineer, local motorists would know more about traffic concerns than outsiders.

“Traffic czars in the city are most capable of resolving the mess on the roads rather than the Manila boys,” they added.

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This column greets Rodel Concha, Blaire Ejercito, Darlene Guerra, Ernest Ola, Rene Cortum, Michael Angelo Trani, Raymond Dabao, Liezl Torres, Lorenz Pascua, JB Ongsingco, Elsie Gonzaga, Victor Facultad, Rodel Guinoo, Benjie Ramos, Gerard Tupas, Frank Carbon, and George Jardiolin./WDJ