EO 34 success sends resounding message

More than 60 vehicles of all types were impounded and their drivers fined on the first day of implementation of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña's executive order cracking down on rampant counterflowing in the city. The success of the first day of implementation should send a strong signal that the days of abusive and impatient drivers are numbered.

Prior to the report on the number of violators caught on the first day of implementation, many law-abiding citizens of Cebu City would have been content if the order merely instilled fear in the hearts of undisciplined drivers. If such fear made them think twice against counterflowing, that would have been enough. Whatever is caught would have been just a bonus.

But as the report came in that a total of 61 vehicles were impounded and their drivers fined, it became clear that some drivers are really irrepressible. It could not have been that they were unaware of the executive order. The measure is one of the most widely publicized in recent memory. Long before Osmeña actually came out with the order, back when he was still only musing about it, it already made the headlines.

And why was it given so much publicity? Because the executive order took so long in coming. Cebuanos had long wished for such a measure. Cebuanos have suffered too long in road conditions made unsafe and dangerous by the presence of abusive, impatient, and undisciplined drivers. The measure was so warmly welcomed even enemies of the mayor counted themselves among its most avid supporters.

As this was written, the executive order was going into its second day of implementation. Whether it can match the success of the first day in terms of numbers remains to be seen. But the success of the first day should be enough to send the message reverberating across the metropolis. In fact, the measure ought to be copied and implemented province-wide.

From actual comments of those who have been monitoring the developments, it has become clear that counterflowing is not only unique to Cebu City but is also seen in several urban centers in the province, places like Talisay City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City. Why, even in Carcar City, some comments have been made about a similar measure also being needed to instill road discipline and courtesy there. So what are the other places waiting for?