News Briefs
DTI CITES LOWER HELMET REGISTRATION
WITH the deadline for motorists to secure Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers and standardized helmets extended until Dec. 31 this year, there are no long lines waiting at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) office.
“We still inspect 200 helmets a day, but it’s not as busy as before,” said a DTI staffer.
When Cebu Daily News visited the DTI provincial office yesterday, there was only one transaction being processed.
The implementation of the National Helmet Law was deferred to Jan. 1, next year.
Until then, the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) said it will focus on an information drive about the Helmet Law.
In yesterday’s 888 news forum, LTO Regional Director Raul Aguilos said they will also discuss the Helmet Law through their Facebook page.
“We are open for public interaction,” he said.
Aguilos said traffic enforcers don’t apprehend, but just warn motorists who wear substandard helmets.
That will change on Jan.1, he said when failure to secure the stickers and wearing of prescribed helmets will result in fines, he said.
Aguilos said it’s only the DTI that will issue the stickers for free.
LTO will also conduct surprise drug tests on all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers. Those who test positive will have their licenses confiscated, Aguilos said. Correspondents Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua and Tweeny M. Malinao
6 MASTER PLANS INTO ONE
CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama said he aims to consolidate six master plans into one despite inadequate funding for it.
The mayor said he will tap the academe to help draft the master plans for drainage, the South Road Properties (SRP), traffic, coastal management, flood control and beautification of downtown and uptown Cebu City.
A drainage master plan costs P25 million while the rest cost P10 million each.
The City Council approved only half a million pesos for each plan saying Rama failed to provide a detailed breakdown of costs for all of them.
Rama said urban planners should be involved in drafting the master plan because they have the expertise.
He said he hopes this consolidated master plan for the city will promote “inclusivity” and “synergy.”
“That’s what I call a pocket of master plans. It’s accelerating what ought to be accelerated at the present,” Rama said. Correspondent Tweeny M. Malinao
