THE local government of Guiguinto, Bulacan, has intensified its drive against overloaded trucks that cause damage to roads, especially along the Manila North Road or the former Mac Arthur Highway. Mayor Agatha Paula Cruz ordered the police to strictly implement Republic Act (RA) 8794, or restrictions on heavy loaded trucks and trailers passing through the said national road, particularly in Guiguinto. On September 15, a stricter enforcement of the prescribed weight regulation on motor vehicles, particularly for trucks and trailers, caused a traffic buildup of almost 2 kilometers long in Barangay Sta. Cruz and Sta. Rita in Guiguinto. The mayor said that the intensified checkpoint inspection was conducted in response to the long-standing problem of the province of Bulacan with regard to damaged roads caused mainly by heavily loaded trucks and trailers. She said they want to implement the ordinances from the provincial and municipal level, and even at the national level because the government's efforts in repairing the roads that are damaged due to heavy and gigantic trucks are wasted. "The point is, we're not out here to raise revenue, to apprehend and fine. A fine is not a revenue generation, it is supposed to deter, prevent and regulate that behavior. The fine at municipal ordinance is only limited. Under the local government code the revenue that we can impose, the fine we impose is very small, and they can give 'kotong' more than the fine," said Cruz. The mayor insisted that the trucks should not pass through their area. Cruz also said that the installation of a 24/7 anti-overloading checkpoint is a bonus for the community because of the increased police presence. Bulacan 5th District Rep. Ambrosio Cruz Jr. hailed the Guiguinto Police under the leadership of Lt. Col. Jowilouie Bilaro for the restriction where the overloaded trucks were intercepted and sent back to where they came from. "It is high time that we address this concern, these overloaded trucks pose a great risk to the safety of both road users and infrastructure. The sustainability of our roads and infrastructure should be given the utmost priority," the lawmaker said.