Traffic aides ‘cannot confiscate license’

The Cebu City Council is asking the Legal Office to look into a proposed ordinance authorizing the confiscation of the driver’s license of motorists found violating traffic laws.

In their draft legislation, Councilors Eugenio Gabuya Jr. and Margarita Osmeña want traffic enforcers of the Cebu City Transportation Office to have the authority to confiscate the driver’s license of erring drivers to promote road discipline.

But several transport groups opposed the measure, saying it could be abused.

In a public hearing last March 28, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Na- tionwide Cebu Chapter, Visayas United Drivers Transport Services and Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Alliance of Transportation Organization and Airland Taxi agreed that the draft legislation would lead to corruption.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 has also expressed its opposition. Acting LTO 7 Director Alita Pulga said only the personnel of the transportation office are allowed to confiscate driver’s licenses.

“Only the Commissioner or his or her duly designated law enforcement and peace officers are allowed to confiscate the driver’s license for violations of the provisions of RA 4136 or any local traffic regulations,” she said.

Pulga said the commissioner is the actual chief of the Land Transportation Commission, or his representatives, deputies and assistants.

During last week’s regular council session, Gabuya said he wants the City attorney to render a legal opinion on the measure before he submits the proposed ordinance for final deliberation.

Only the Commissioner or his or her duly designated law enforcement and peace officers are allowed to confiscate the driver’s license. Acting LTO 7 Director Alita Pulga