Teddy backs Red's "habal-habal" bill

CEBU, Philippines – Sixth district provincial board member Thadeo Ouano supports the bill filed by Rep. Ramon "Red" Durano legalizing the operation in the countryside of motorcycle-for-hire known here as "habal-habal" by granting local government units regulatory powers.

Ouano said the bill filed by Rep. Durano answers the existing problems of the people living in mountain barangays.

Ouano said the operation of "habal-habal" is illegal but is tolerated.

He said because it is illegal, "habal-habal" drivers often fall prey to some abusive traffic enforcers.

Durano's bill seeks to devolve the regulatory and franchising powers over the operation of habal-habal to the LGUs. He proposes to amend Section 447 and 458 of the Local Government Code of 1991.

"Ang habal-habal ug mga tricycles mahinungdanon kaayong mga kahimanan tungod kay kini gi-konsiderar nga kapilian nga kasakyan ilabi na niadtong namuyo sa kabukiran ug mga lagyo kaayong lugar diin way klarong mga karsada nga lisod maagian ug mga ordinaryong sakyanan," Ouano said.

Ouano said once the bill is approved, it is certain that the riding public will be given protection.

Under House Bill No. 2667, Durano said motorcycles are frequently used and patronized by people as means of public transportation in the rural areas, especially in places where there are no roads passable by four-wheeled motor vehicles and in areas with inadequate transport.

"The use of motorcycle as transportation bears several names in the islands of Visayas and Mindanao, where they are commonly known as "habal-habal, sputniks, skylab" and the likes. While these motorcycles are not registered vehicle-for-hire, these are being used and commonly accepted as public transport vehicles. Thus, the operation of habal-habal is considered illegal," he said.

Moreover, Durano said the business is not also covered by any kind of insurance. Hence, passengers cannot claim any benefit or reimbursement for injuries suffered in cases of accidents. The lack of franchise also opens the opportunity for traffic enforcers to harass, mulct and fleece the operator of habal-habal he said.

Durano however said that this type of transportation shall be allowed only in remote areas that are impossible for four-wheeled public utility vehicles to ply.

"This shall ensure the safety of the passengers using such form of transportation in penetrating narrow -trails and passageways, as well as offering rural folk cheaper means of transportation," he added. (FREEMAN)