LTO Davao Denies Reports of Implementing Coding Scheme to Ease Traffic Congestion

By Mark Navales

DAVAO CITY — A senior official of the Land Transportation Office in Region 11 (LTO 11) vehemently denied on Saturday, Jan. 25, a recent online report about a coding scheme that the office was considering to address traffic congestion in the Davao Region.

The LTO 11 referred to a published report by Rojean Grace Patumbon of Sunstar Davao on January 23.

LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II emphasized that comprehensive and collaborative solutions—such as enhancing public transportation, stricter traffic enforcement, and infrastructure improvements—are key to addressing congestion in a press conference. (LTO-PIO)

The report states that the LTO is considering implementing a number coding scheme to address traffic congestion in the Davao Region.

“We clarify that the number coding scheme was introduced as an idea during the discussion and candidly acknowledged by the Assistant Secretary as one of several potential traffic management strategies. This response should not be misconstrued as a definitive plan or policy for Davao City or the region,” said Atty. Ernesto Raphael Robillo, LTO-Davao Regional Director.

LTO 11 Director Atty. Ernesto Raphael V. Robillo (left), alongside Assistant Regional Director Marilou P. Narca (center left) and the dedicated District Heads and Division Chiefs, welcomed LTO Assistant Secretary Mendoza (right) and his team during their visit. (*LTO-PIO*)

Robillio said assistant secretary Attorney Vigor D. Mendoza II was indeed interviewed by reporters on January 23 but his statement was taken out of context.

“LTO does not have anything to do with the flow of traffic. We are a support group. Enforcement is just one of the ways to ease traffic. But traffic solutions, we don’t have a decision on that issue. It’s not with us but with the city government,” Robillo explained.

“Assistant Secretary Mendoza only emphasized that comprehensive and collaborative solutions—such as enhancing public transportation, stricter traffic enforcement, and infrastructure improvements—are key to addressing congestion,” Robillio said.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region XI in Davao City has established road safety task forces and implemented various initiatives, including the enforcement of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, license plate distribution, and installation of road safety tarpaulin posters, anti-colorum operations, and daily roadside inspections. (LTO-PIO)

Earlier this month, the TomTom Traffic Index 2024 showed that Davao emerged as the 8th most congested city worldwide, where residents take almost 33 to travel 10 kilometers. Next to Davao is Manila, which in turn placed 14th worldwide.

The LTO stresses that traffic measures must be well-studied and coordinated with Davao City and its legislative body to serve the public’s needs.

“We urge the public to rely on official channels for accurate information and avoid spreading speculative or misleading interpretations,” Robillio said.