THE Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) finds it rather imperative for other cities and municipalities to emulate what San Mateo LGU has done to clamp down on ‘lopsided’ road mishaps involving smaller vehicles.
In a statement, DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos particularly hinted at San Mateo LGU’s strict enforcement of a local ordinance restricting tricycles, e-bikes, and pedicabs along national highways.
According to Abalos, the local government should seriously consider taking the lead in the government’s road safety efforts, with a heavy emphasis on the need to ensure the safety of people on board three-wheeled vehicles.
In 2020, the DILG issued a memorandum prohibiting tricycles and pedicabs on national highways.
“It is unfortunate that many local government units (LGUs) have not been strictly implementing such regulations, which often results in traffic congestion and accidents,” Abalos said.
He said local councils can allow tricycles on highways only if there are no alternative routes and as a last resort.
As for the San Mateo local council ordinance, apprehended e-bike drivers will be fined ₱2,500, while tricycle drivers face fines of ₱2,500 for the first two violations, with revocation of their franchise permit occurring after a third apprehension.
However, the new local government policy solicited mixed reactions – drivers using bigger vehicles expressed support for the ban, and some sectors didn't sit well with the policy.
Tricycle drivers described the policy as anti-poor as the ban will adversely affect their livelihood, as their franchise area includes access to a national highway, preventing them from transporting passengers along that route.
In addition to driver concerns, there are worries that the policy will make commutes more difficult for groups like schoolchildren and senior citizens.
In response, municipal administrator Henry Desiderio said that the LGU will work to verify claims from tricycle drivers regarding the areas covered by their franchises. He also mentioned exceptions may be made for cases involving senior citizens, persons with disabilities, or emergency medical situations.
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