A directive banning tricycle and pedicab plying on national roads has been forwarded recently by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to the Puerto Princesa City Police Office for immediate implementation. This came two months after a previously released order by DILG to have it implemented nationwide, which includes the City, was met by a resolution by the City Council seeking for an exemption.
Councilor Rolando Amurao, Chairman on Committee on Transportation, said that they are coordinating with the City PNP with regards to the matter as they are maintaining their position to exempt the City.
Amurao said that banning tricycle on the national highway will greatly affect the economy of Puerto Princesa. “Hindi pa tayo ready ngayon. Hindi pa handa ang mga nananakay, pati na din ang mga driver at operator,” said Amurao.
Last August 11 2017, City Ordinance 838 was passed restricting motorcycles and tricycles in the inner lanes, instead for them to take the outer lanes. But it has been observed that there are still motorcycles and tricycles using the inner lanes, which cause safety issues to other vehicles greatly slowing down the traffic, as well.
Approximately 6,250 tricycle franchise holders are plying in the city and national roads, and will be directly affected once the ban is fully implemented in Puerto Princesa.