Abaday: Mandate banning bao-bao operation sparks confusion

“THIS disenfranchisement of tricycles despite their compliance with the Motor Vehicle User's Charge (MVUC) raises important questions on equity and accessibility.”

Councilor Roger Abaday stressed this during the 20th City Council’s regular session, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, in his special report on the legal ambiguity of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular banning tricycles from operating on highways and the standing local executive order of the city enforcing the said circular.

Abaday cited a news report where Albay Representative Joey Salceda questioned the lack of jurisdiction of DILG over local governments like Cagayan de Oro particularly on regulating activities on its national highways.

The DILG only cited guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) as basis for the said ban, but the Sangguniang Panlungsod may provide exceptions should there be no other alternative routes.

This confusion, according to Abaday, has potential legal implications to cities like Cagayan de Oro with unique transportation needs. A clear delineation of roles and responsibilities in policy implementation on matters regarding transportation and public safety therefore should not be undermined, he added.

While the matter is under discussion, Cagayan de Oro enforces the DILG memorandum as per the mayor's order.

With this, Councilor Abaday referred the matter to Councilor Romeo Calizo, chair of the Public Utilities Committee, and proposed a meeting with DILG, DOTr, LTO, and other relevant agencies to address the potential effects of the current policy.