Trikes, pedicabs on highways OK if supported with local ordinance

LONG as there is a local ordinance, the tricycles and pedicabs - motorized or not - can ply on national highways in Cebu province.

This was the clarification of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Joaden Lucero, adding that local governments must pass an ordinance allowing their operations together with a tricycle route plan (TRP) and a schematic map.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7 Chief Transportation Officer Joel Maloloy-on also assured that they will not apprehend tricycles, pedicabs if there is an ordinance passed by the local governments. However, they will apprehend those that who will go beyond their respective jurisdiction.

Lucero appeared before the Provincial Board during its session following the invitation of 5^th District Board Member Red Duterte, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Public Services, to clear the confusion in the implementation of DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-036 which prohibits tricycles and pedicabs from operating on national highways to ensure the safety of the riding public. 

 

Duterte said that in Barili town, these tricycles and pedicabs are allowed on national highway, but are prohibited in Toledo City pursuant.

“Gi-point out man gud ni 3rd District Board Member Atty. John Ismael Borgonia what happened in his District. I think common ni sa ubang distrito pud nga ang mga implementing agency maglibog kay naa gihapoy madakpan intawn nga tricycle nag-ply sa national highway bisan ang portion kuno is pwede sa ordinansa,” he stressed.

Lucero said the Provincial Board and Sangguniang Bayan are given the power to regulate the operation of their towns’ tricycles and pedicabs. However, this is still subject to the guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Based on the DOTr guidelines, as a general rule, no tricycles should operate on national highways for safety reason, but with an exception. If there is no alternative route, tricycles are allowed to operate provided their operation is backed by an ordinance, TRP, and schematic map. 

Lucero said the period of validity of the TRP shall be valid only for two years from the issuance of the DILG Memorandum. After two years, an assessment will be made. 

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Eduardo Montealto, Jr. said traditional jeepneys and multicabs are allowed to ply in the province subject to public health protocols. These vehicles must also pass the road worthiness test conducted by the LTO.

“They should have the certificate of road worthiness, apil na niana ang emission. Maoy kadaghanan nga nabagsak ang uban tungod anang road worthiness. Kay first ang safety, kinahanglan dili lang sa health protocols. It’s the safety also from the condition of their vehicles,” he said. (Mylen Manto)

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