Roxas City not ready for trike ban on national roads

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The Roxas City government is not ready to implement Memorandum Circular 036-2020 issued by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) banning tricycle and pedicabs from national highways.”

This was the reaction of Roxas City Councilor Midelo Ocampo considering that the most common mode of transportation here is tricycles.

Ocampo said the ban will affect not just passengers but the livelihood of tricycle owners and drivers as well.

He added that most roads here are classified as national and the aim of the national government to prevent fatal traffic accidents is good.

The councilor said he met Wilson Devela, Roxas City Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (RCTODA) president, who asked for help to talk with Mayor Ronnie Dadivas so they can air their concerns.

Meanwhile, the chief of the Maintenance and Construction Division of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Capiz 1st Engineering District said they need to dialogue with the Local Government Unit regarding Memorandum Circular No. 036-2020.

Engr. Julius Abela said the implementation should be done gradually so that tricycle driver and operator would not lose their livelihoods.

He added that local officials should find alternative solutions because this is a law that should be followed and implemented.

DPWH Department Order No. 73 Series of 2014 strictly bans obstruction/encroachment or usurpation on the right of way in the national road and highway.

Abela said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered LGUs to clear identified road obstructions as mandated in the campaign of the government on Road Clearing Operation 2.0.