PB to tackle habal-habal measure today

CEBU, Philippines - The legality of regulating the used of motorcycles-for-hire within Cebu province will be tackled in today’s regular session after two committees of the Provincial Board rendered a different report on the matter.

Principally authored by Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano, the proposed measure known as, an ordinance regulating the business operation of motorcycle-for hire or “habal-habal” and tricycles within Cebu province, was earlier approved on first reading and was submitted to the two committees to render their respective recommendation.

Ouano said the committee on ways and means chaired by PB member Wilfredo Caminero recommended that a public hearing shall be held. The committee on public service chaired by PB Member Thaddeus “Jude” Durano Sybico on the other hand rendered an unfavorable recommendation.

“Illegal man kuno ni matud pa sa committee ni Sybico. Amoa pa ning klaruhun ugma inig session namo,” (This is illegal according to Sybico’s committee. We will clear this up tomorrow during our session) Ouano said yesterday.

The proposed measure aims to answer the perennial problem of lack of transportation in the province especially in the rural areas where roads are not passable by four-wheeled vehicles

The proposed measure would help ensure the protection of the riding public and pedestrians in cases of road accidents involving tricycles and motorcycles-for-hire.

It also aims to ensure that the operators can benefit from any rights and privileges that are afforded to them by laws or ordinances and to protect the operators from any harassments and unlawful actions coming from the government or any persons.

If this measure is approved, for purposes of passengers’ safety, the owner of tricycles and/or motorcycles-for-hire shall, upon registration, procure the necessary insurance for a third party liability.

Owners of these vehicles who fail to register its operation shall be penalized with a fine of not less than P3,000 but not more than P5,000 or an imprisonment of three months but not more than six months or both at the discretion of the courts, and the tricycles and/or motorcycles-for-hire shall be impounded until registered. — (FREEMAN)