Dumaguete LGU begins drive vs unregistered tricycles

CEBU, Philippines — The Traffic Management Office of Dumaguete City government had started rounding up drivers of tricycles, known locally as motorcabs-for-hire, for violating city traffic rules and regulations.

TMO Operations Officer Danny Atillo said at least 50 drivers were apprehended so far for driving their tricycles without the required stickers that would have shown these are registered and have permits.

The city traffic authorities said that, out of 2,500 operators of motorcabs-for-hire, only 2,175 have been granted motorized tricycles operators permits (MTOP), which means that more than 300 are operating illegally. They added that of the total number of tricycles, only 1,966 were issued mayors permits.

TMO Chief Gilbert Ablong said he was even surprised of the figure, and this prompted him to order a crackdown on these illegal motorcabs-for-hire.

Meanwhile, more than 20 department heads were gathered on Monday to answer questions from the media in relation to their respective mandates and basic services extended to the public.

Mayor Felipe Remollo initiated the media interaction, saying it was part of his administration’s effort to professionalize the city government service, and for transparency. (FREEMAN)