CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Department of Public Works and Highways-Region
3 said “it is the local government unit through its city traffic management office
who have the full authority over traffic lights.”
DPWH regional director Roseller A. Tolentino issued the statement in a letter last
July 28 in response to the request of Rene G. Romero of the Pampanga Chamber
of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) last March 11 “for action for the
improvement of traffic condition along MacArthur Highway in this city.”
Tolentino also said they have requested funding for major rehabilitation and
repair, including installation of a new one in Paning-MacArthur Highway near SM
City-Telabastagan, in coordination with the city government.
“This is to inform you that all the traffic lights along JASA (Jose Abad Santos Ave.)
and MNR (Manila North Road or more popularly known as MacArthur Highway)
installed by this office (DPWH) are more than 12 years old now,” the regional
director said.
Romero also requested DPWH for the transfer of traffic lights fronting Vista Mall
along the MacArthur Highway in Barangay San Agustin.
Widely regarded as “an entitlement” to the Villar family who owns Vista Mall, the
traffic light was put up at the time now-Sen. Mark Villar was DPWH secretary.
Motorists have been complaining of the traffic pile up along MacArthur Highway
with the red light on even when there are no vehicles turning to the mall.
Tolentino disclosed that the traffic light at Vista Mall “was not installed by the
DPWH, particularly the district and regional office.”
“It is the city who can decide over the shutting down and disabling any traffic light
which are found to be not necessary in their operation,” Tolentino said.
