Sitoy: Regulating riders not anti-poor

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy defended his proposed “motorcycle riding-in-tandem ordinance” which has been criticized and labeled as anti-poor.

Sitoy clarified that his proposed measure does not prohibit the purchase of motorcycles in Cebu.

“It’s just that I’m regulating the use in favor of a much higher interest which is public safety,” Sitoy explained.

The proposed ordinance aims to lessen the number of crimes committed by riding-in-tandem or criminal elements by making sure that the back rider on a motorcycle should be a spouse or relative of the driver within the fourth degree of consanguinity.

 “All others are declared prohibited in the Province of Cebu, particularly male back riders who are not within the fourth degree of consanguinity of the driver,” the proposed measure specifically indicates.

The same measure has been approved and implemented in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila.

Sitoy added that his proposal has an even wider scope since the Mandalu-yong City ordinance only allows passengers within second degree of consanguinity with the driver while his proposal allows those with fourth degree relationships. 

According to the proposal, those who will be enforcing the ordinance will ask motorcycle drivers for proof of their relationship with their passengers and if the driver of the motorcycle and the passenger fail to present proof of relation when accosted by law enforcers, they would be brought to the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Sitoy stressed that his proposal is not anti-poor as he acknowledges the operation of the “habal-habal” which is commonly used in mountain barangays even if it is not recognized by the law.

  “While it is true that habal-habal is deemed illegal under existing laws, I’m trying to make it as an exemption kay magsugod nasad mi og estorya unsaon pag-address ilang existence kay I want to legitimize their existence aron ma-regulate,” said Sitoy.

The provincial legislator said he will speak with officials of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office on legitimizing habal-habal operations.

The proposed ordinance has been referred to the Committee on Public Safety.  (FREEMAN)