House approves “habalhabal bill” on final reading

CEBU, Philippines — The House of Representatives has unanimously approved on third and final reading the House Bill 8959, which would allow motorcycles-for-hire or habalhabals to operate as alternative commuter vehicles.

The bill, authored by Rep. Winston Castelo (Quezon City), aims to amend Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code that limits public transportation to four-wheeled vehicles only.

Cebu City north district Rep. Raul Del Mar and Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon also introduced similar legislation to legalize the service.

If signed into law, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board would be tasked to set "reasonable" fares and other charges for habalhabals.

The approval comes only less than two months after the Supreme Court issued an injunction in December on a Mandaluyong court’s Temporary Restraining Order stopping the LTFRB from regulating motorcycles for hire.

Although Angkas was ordered to stop, they maintained that they would operate until the SC decides with finality on the legality of using motorcycles as a form of public transportation.

They also provided financial support to drivers who are caught by LTFRB and other authorities.

Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña, a vocal advocate of habalhabal, said he was grateful that lawmakers rushed the bill's approval before the House of Representatives goes on recess. Osmeña took pride of having helped push the passage of the bill.

“I did my share even though I’m not a lawyer,” Osmeña told The Freeman.

He said during the hearing in Congress that habalhabals are crucial in upland barangays where roads are not built for jeeps or other types of four-wheeled vehicles.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, however, doubts if it a counterpart measure in the Senate will be passed before Congress will adjourn for the May elections.

“I’m glad Congress got the attention of the plight of habalhabal drivers throughout the Philippines but it needs a counterpart bill of the same nature in the Senate and with only up to this week nalang ang session nila kay recess na siya para election, tan-aw nako para konsuylo lang na gibuhat nila,” Andales said.

A similar measure is already being taken up in the upper chamber. Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto filed Senate Bill 2173 that aims to classify public utility motorcycles as those with engines of at least 125 cc and can travel faster than 50 kilometers per hour.

Councilor Pastor Alcover said he is happy of the development but he does not agree to include Angkas, an app-based motorcycle-hailing service. (FREEMAN)