San Jose Del Monte (SJDM) is a first class component city of Bulacan province. With a population of over 651,800 people as of 2020, it is the largest local government unit (LGU) in the province; it is also the 18th most populated city in the entire country!
Both private and public vehicles traverse the city’s roads everyday. The most common modes of public transport are tricycles, jeepneys, and buses, which connect SJDM to neighboring cities and towns in Bulacan, Metro Manila, and nearby provinces. To manage traffic, the City Traffic Management and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Office (CTM-SCOO) was established; its functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
What is the CTM-SCOO?
The City Traffic Management and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Office (CTM-SCOO) is an office of the San Jose Del Monte City Government; it is responsible for managing traffic, enforcing traffic and transport-related laws, and ensuring road safety for all motorists, commuters, and pedestrians.
Vision and Mission
The CTM-SCOO’s tasks go in line with the San Jose Del Monte City Government’s vision and mission, as cited in the Citizen’s Charter:
Vision. San Jose Del Monte is envisioned to be: “A people-centered city, transformed into a progressive community of destination with highly competent people thriving in a vibrant economy.”
Mission. The San Jose Del Monte City Government’s mission is:
- “To implement programs designed to tap the creative potentials of the different sectors in society;
- To transform the city into an investment and a tourist-friendly destination;
- To encourage the citizenry to become self-reliant and productive; and
- To provide the people with relevant social support, livelihood opportunities, and economic skills.”
Traffic Advisories
In addition to providing daily traffic updates, the CTM-SCOO issues traffic advisories whenever there are road accidents, road construction or rehabilitation, and special events. Here are some examples based on the office’s Facebook page:
Road Accidents/Incidents
Road accidents usually cause traffic, especially if it occurs on a frequently used road or highway. Last December 2022, for example, there was an accident at Barangay Muzon, along Gov. F. Halili Road, near Caltex gas station. Traffic enforcers arrived to assist in rerouting traffic, and motorists were advised to take alternative routes while the accident was being investigated.
In the following year, December 2023, another accident happened, this time along Quirino Highway, in front of Barangay Francisco Homes. Once again, traffic enforcers were assigned to help in rerouting traffic in the area.
Recently, on October 11, 2024, there was another incident: A truck had broken down at Kaypian Road, near Kaypian Elementary School. Since the truck was blocking the road, motorists were advised to take alternative routes to avoid traffic.
Road Construction/Rehabilitation
Road construction and rehabilitation activities usually involve road closures, and so traffic advisories are also issued. Last May 2022, for instance, the CTM-SCOO repaired drainage covers, relocated streetlights, and cleared sidewalks obstructions as part of the Roadside Clearing and Facelifting Project.
The following month, in June 2022, the office conducted “road patching” along the Provincial Road (San Jose to Bulac), specifically in Barangay Sapang Palay Proper. This activity was done to make sure that the road is safe for motorists and pedestrians.
More recently, on September 2022, there was a construction activity along the highway at Sampaguita, Caloocan City. This caused heavy traffic along part of Quirino Highway at SJDM, and so motorists were advised to take alternative routes to avoid traffic.
Special Events
Some special events involve parades and other street activities. In these cases, traffic advisories are issued in advance. Last May 2024, for example, “Flores de Maria” was held around St. Peter the Apostle Parish Church in Barangay Tungkong Mangga. This affected several roads, including part of Quirino Highway (in front of Pleasant Hills Gate 1, Barangay San Manual to Paradise Farms Welcome Road, Barangay Tungkong Mangga). Motorists were advised to take alternative routes to help decongest traffic flow.
Meanwhile, last June 2024, the CTM-SCOO announced the inauguration of the BUCAS Center. This involved the closure of Aurora Street at Barangay Minuyan Proper. Motorists were urged to use Quarry Road as an alternative route instead.
Speaking of Barangay Minuyan Proper, the barangay recently held its 33rd Founding Anniverary. As part of the celebrations, a Bazaar was held along Phase 4B Highway, across from Klinika Tomasino, from October 23-28, 2024. Due to the road closure, motorists were advised to take alternative routes during the said period.
Services Provided
Other than managing traffic, the CTM-SCOO provides services like redemption of confiscated driver’s licenses and impounded vehicles.
Redemption of Confiscated Driver’s License
This service is for apprehended traffic violators who want to redeem their confiscated driver’s license. They are advised to settle their fines within three (3) working days from issuance of the violation.
Redemption of Impounded Vehicles
Similarly, this service is for apprehended traffic violators who want to redeem their impounded vehicles. They must settle their fines within three (3) working days from issuance of the violation.
Violations and Penalties
Based on the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of 2006 in the City of San Jose del Monte, here’s a list of the traffic violations and the fines imposed on erring motorists:
- Driving in Sando/Slippers (PUV) – PHP 500
- Discourteous/Arrogant Driver – PHP 500
- Obstruction – PHP 500
- Illegal Parking/Terminal – PHP 500
- Violation on Loading/Unloading – PHP 500
- TC Operating with Overloaded Passengers – PHP 500
- Closed-Door Policy – PHP 500
- Disregarding Traffic Control/Signals/Signs – PHP 1,500
- Reckless Driving – PHP 1,500
- Driving without License – PHP 2,000
- Driving while Under the Influence of Liquor – PHP 2,000
- Failure to Carry/Show/Surrender Driver’s License – PHP 2,000
- Failure to Carry/Show Registration – PHP 2,000
- Invalid/No Franchise – PHP 2,000
- Out of Route/Line (PUB/PUJ) – PHP 2,000
- No Conduction Sticker – PHP 2,000
- Permitting an Unlicensed/Unauthorized Person to Drive – PHP 2,000
- Unregistered Motor Vehicle – PHP 2,000
- Operation of Motor Vehicle not in Conformity with its Registered Classification – PHP 2,000
- No Proper Plates/Plate Number – PHP 2,000
- Lending One’s Driver’s License – PHP 2,000
- Drinking Intoxicants while Driving – PHP 2,000
- Delinquent, Suspended, or Invalid Registration – PHP 2,000
- TC Operating with Delinquent/Expired MTOP – PHP 2,000
- TC Operating without Franchise – PHP 3,000
Contact Information: SJDM CTM-SCOO
If you have any questions or concerns for the CTM-SCOO of San Jose Del Monte City, you may get in touch with them through the following contact details:
Address: San Jose del Monte Old City Hall, San Jose Del Monte-Marilao Road, San Jose del Monte City, 3023 Bulacan
Telephone: (044) 815 8691 / (044) 305 6474 / 0936 041 9767
Email: lgu.csjdm.ctmscog.bul@gmail.com
Website: https://csjdm.gov.ph/departments2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csjdmctmscog.2016
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
The City Traffic Management and Sidewalk Clearing Operations Office is always ready to manage the flow of traffic in San Jose Del Monte and ensure road safety for all motorists and pedestrians.
Likewise, in other parts of Bulacan, there are similar road authorities, as well. In Meycauayan City, for example, there’s the Meycauayan Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB).