By a 17-1 vote, the panel chaired by Catanduanes Rep. Cesar Sarmiento sent the proposed Traffic Crisis Act, a stop-gap measure to relieve traffic congestion in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, for plenary consideration. Among the powers to be wielded by the traffic chief are:Administer and implement all traffic enforcement operations, traffic engineering services and traffic education programs. Establish within metropolitan areas a single ticketing system for all kinds of violations of traffic rules and regulations. ADVERTISEMENTThe traffic chief will also enjoy “rule-making power,” which means the power to issue, enact, review, harmonize, amend, revise, revoke orrepeal existing traffic regulations, policies, ordinances,orders and circulars issued and enacted by the covered agencies to promote efficient mobility. Friendship routesThe traffic chief will also identify private subdivision or village roads that will comprise “friendship routes” which will serve as additional access points and secondary channels for road traffic.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 23, 2017 16:30 UTC