Judith bats for compromise Pact with Bao-Bao operation in the City

“Mamahimo ba na ang RTA wala say himoon niini kay libog pa man? Ug wala pa puy nahimo na petition sa atong hukmanan kabahin aning mga bao-bao na gabaras-baras sa atong kadalanan o highway.”

This was stressed by Councilor James K. Judith II in his special report during the regular session on Monday relative to the issue of tricab (bao-bao) operation in the city particularly the ban for this type of vehicle to traverse the city highways.

Since the city has not yet issued any formal stand on the issue, the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) relies only on the provisions as stipulated in the Memorandum Circulars (MCs) and Letter of Instruction (LOI) from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). According to Judith, the aforementioned issuances have some conflicting features and are worthy of a legal challenge in court. These have also resulted in a diverse interpretation by our authorities relative to its proper implementation, he added.

“Usa sa akong nakita na bikil nga adunay permit o gitugutan nato ang mga dealer sa pagpamaligya sa maong matang sa sakyanan apan ato silang gibawalan o ato silang dakpon kung magbaras-baras sila sa highway labi na kung ang namalit niini ilang gamtion sa pagpamasahero,” Judith manifested. He added there is no notable difference whether tricabs are for private use or for public conveyance, citing that the MCs and LOI of both agencies (LTO and DILG) are found to be not in harmony with their provisions.

Based on the MC and LOI of the LTO, tricabs are classified under NCV (Non-Conventional Vehicle) while tricycles and pedicabs fall under the L5 category. As stated in the DILG MC, the councilor observed that tricycles and pedicabs are not allowed on highways.

“Sa laktod na pagkasulti dili diay bawal ang mga tricab o bao-bao sa pagbaras-baras sa atong kadalanan ug highway kay matod pa sa atong classification sa LTO kay ang bao-bao dili pedicab or tricycle na classification. Mao na nga dili ta magkasinabot,” Judith further said.

With this, Judith urges the City to make and express its stand on the matter, saying that now is the right time to do so since a number of our residents have already been using tricabs as another means of transportation.

This and other points raised by Judith are referred to the Committee on Public Utilities (Roads and Traffic Management) chaired by Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, for appropriate action.