In Mandaue City, Cebu, to handle traffic issues during the initial stages of local election campaigns, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) plans to assign around 50 to 60 traffic officers per political event. Additionally, they will have mobile patrol units monitoring and regulating the traffic flow.
The two principal political groups have already scheduled their significant gatherings. Led by former Mayor Jonas Cortes, Group Mandaue is set to host its rally at Pasilong sa Paradise along Ouano Avenue in the North Reclamation Area on Friday, March 28, starting at 6 p.m.
In the meantime, One Mandaue, headed by Congresswoman Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon and her sibling Provincial Board Member Jonkie Ouano, plans to hold their rally on Saturday, March 29th, starting at 7 p.m., in the area next to the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.
TEAM Head Hyll Retuya reassured everyone that there won’t be any road closures for these events.
In addition to the expected traffic jams, tomorrow’s local campaign event overlaps with the 80th birthday celebration of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte. His followers plan to gather at Pasilong sa Paradise early in the day. Approximately 4,000 participants are scheduled to congregate at the location between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with various connected events taking place in surrounding regions.
In order to handle the higher traffic volume, TEAM will bring in extra staff to maintain a steady traffic movement.
“Overall, we have made sure that all our preparations—such as having the right staff and mobile resources—are set up and prepared for this period,” stated Retuya.