BACOLOD City – Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the head of the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department (BTTMD) to explain an incident involving a department vehicle that was caught overtaking and counterflowing on a city road.
The incident was brought to the mayor’s attention on July 24, prompting him to immediately seek an explanation from BTTMD Officer-in-Charge Atty. Reuben Mikhail Sabig.
Gasataya also ordered the issuance of a Notice to Explain to the employee who was driving the government vehicle at the time of the incident.
According to the city’s initial investigation, the driver was responding to an urgent call to help manage heavy traffic caused by roadworks being undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) near Gaisano City along Araneta Street.
The driver has likewise submitted an explanation to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in response to the agency’s show cause order over the alleged traffic violation.
Gasataya stressed that all city government employees, particularly those assigned to the BTTMD, are expected to set an example by strictly observing traffic laws.
He said compliance with traffic regulations is essential to maintaining public trust and preserving the credibility of the city government.
The mayor did not indicate whether administrative sanctions would be imposed, pending the explanations from the BTTMD and the employee involved./PN
