Only in Davao: Ex-mayor Duterte caught for speeding

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – It was supposed to be a normal working day for traffic aide Michael Villareal until his speed gun caught a white Subaru SUV going beyond the speed limit on Quimpo Boulevard last Monday, January 13.

After flagging down the driver, Villareal was shocked when he saw that it was former Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Known for her firm leadership style and for punching a court sheriff when she was still the mayor of Davao City, Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday, January 14, apologized in a TV interview for violating the city’s speed limit. (WATCH: The mayors Duterte)

The Traffic Management Center said Duterte-Carpio was driving at 57 kph, which was beyond the 40 kph speed limit in the area.

Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Duterte-Carpio’s father, has been very strict in implementing speed limits after he signed Executive Order No. 39 on Oct 29, 2013.

Duterte earlier said that EO 39 was crafted to address the alarming increase in traffic accidents in the city which are mainly caused by reckless driving and speeding.

The executive order said penalties, fines and arrest, if warranted, will be imposed on offenders under the provisions of Republic Act No. 4136 and the city’s traffic ordinance.

EO 39 states that a 30 kph speed limit must be followed within the downtown area while 40 kph will be the maximum speed from Panacan Crossing to J. P. Laurel Avenue, from Ulas to Bolton Bridge and from Ma-a Road to McArthur Highway.

A 60 kph maximum speed was also set from Calinan to Ulas Crossing, from Lasang to Panacan, from Sirawan to Ulas Crossing, and from C.P. Garcia Highway-McArthru Highway to Panacan.

Duterte-Carpio admitted that she thought that the speed limit on Quimpo Boulevard is 60 kph.

The former mayor said she had already retrieved her driver’s license from the local Land Transportation Office. – Rappler.com