AS far as the operation of ‘bao-bao’ or tri-cab in Cagayan de Oro City is concerned, City Hall will observe the status quo which meant these vehicles won’t be allowed to pass through the national highway.
“(As far as the law is concerned) there are two things clear about the operation of bao-bao; one, they’re not allowed to pass through the national highway and two, they cannot be used as passenger vehicles. So let’s understand (and respect the law). To the association of bao-bao operators, I’m sorry but they cannot be registered under the (Securities and Exchange Commission),” Councilor Romeo Calizo told bao-bao operators during last Friday’s dialogue held at the City Council session hall.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy called for the dialogue after receiving complaints from taxi operators who said the bao-bao operators have substantially cut down on their income.
“We have to look into and ensure the security of our passengers…we have to weigh these things carefully,” Mayor Uy said in Visayan during his radio program last Friday.
Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code along with previous memoranda issued by the Department of Interior and Local Governments (DILG) prohibited the presence of tricycles and pedicabs along the national highway and prescribed the operating conditions and franchising of tricycles by local governments.
Uy said the livelihood of those who paid for and followed the requirements of their franchise shouldn’t be compromised.
During last Friday afternoon’s dialogue, Councilor Calizo — who chairs the 20th City Council’s public utilities committee — said taxi operators should improve their services.
“In order for these ‘bao-bao’ drivers not to cut down on your routes, you should improve your services…in subdivisions, the residents find bao-bao to be more accessible than taxis,” Calizo said.
Bao-bao drivers servicing the city’s hinterland or upland barangays sought exemption from the restrictions, saying they help transport commuters waiting for rides on the city’s interior roads or areas inaccessible to four-wheel vehicles.
City DILG Director Jane Docallos also called on barangay officials to enforce the prohibition on bao-bao as public transport.
“(We have a limited number of police and traffic enforcers)…we need the cooperation of everyone…I’m urging the barangay officials to do their job (and advise their constituents to follow the law). Just because it’s being done in other areas doesn’t make it right,” Docallos said, adding that operators shouldn’t pressure local officials who are only enforcing the law. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)
