The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Puerto Princesa passed on second reading on Monday, October 20, the proposed ordinance waiving the franchise renewal fee of all tricycle operators and drivers registered in this city for six years from 2026 until 2031.
Vice Mayor Peter Q. Maristela authored the proposed ordinance.
In his committee report, City Councilor Epitacio Jie Lao Jr, chairman of the committee on transportation, emphasized that the moratorium on the charging of franchise fees will help minimize the burden of tricycle operators.
Official record shows that there are 6,250 tricycles that are issued with franchises. An existing ordinance sets the franchise fee in the amount of P1,200 payable for three years or P400 annually during their processing of mayor’s permit.
If implemented, Lao explained that some P2.5 million yearly will not be collected due to the moratorium.
In the original proposal of Vice Mayor Maristela, he proposed for three year waiving of franchise renewal fee from 2026 until 2028. But City Councilor Herbert Dilig wanted to have it for 10 years.
Later, City Councilor Victor Oliveros came up with a proposed five years waiving of franchise fees, but upon learning that franchise fees are paid within three years, they agreed to waive the franchise fee for six years.
Other members of the council, Luis Marcaida III, Modesto Rodriguez, Gerry Abad, Elgin Robert Damasco, Erwin Edualino, Epitacio Jie Lao, Laddy Gemang, and Matthew Mendoza expressed support to the proposed six-year moratorium. Councilor Dilig later joined his colleagues.
Councilor Rodriguez said that this proposed ordinance will be again tackled for the third and final reading on Monday, October 27.
