‘Habal-habal,’ colorum vehicles must stop – Binay

The Makati City government has ordered the strict implementation of city ordinances banning the operations of “habal-habal” (motorcycle taxis) and colorum vehicles as public transportation in the city, which reportedly continue to operate despite existing local laws.

“The illegal operations of habal-habal and other forms of unlicensed public transport must stop. They not only clog up traffic, but also put the lives of commuters in danger,” Makati Mayor Abigail Binay said in a statement on Saturday.

Reports reaching the office of Mayor Binay showed that many habal-habal units are still operating despite the recent closure of transport firm “Angkas” in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The Makati government said various news reports on Friday quoted the LTFRB declaring as “unlawful” the operation of motorcycle-riding booking app “Angkas.” Only sedans, Asian utility vehicles, sport utility vehicles, vans, and other four-wheeled vehicles fall under the category of transport network service vehicles (TNSV), it said.

The operation of habal-habal units are banned under City Ordinance No. 2009-008, which was passed in 2009. Violators will be fined R5,000 on the first offense, motorcycle will be impounded on the second offense, and imprisonment from one to three days on the third offense at the discretion of the court.

Meanwhile, City Ordinance No. 2011-010, passed in 2011, amends the 2003 Makati Traffic Code and requires all motorized vehicles with four wheels or more to secure first a Certificate of Public Conveyance from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before ferrying passengers for a fare and/or carrying cargoes on a for hire basis.

It also requires motorized pedicabs, tricycles, and other three-wheeled vehicles which are used as paid public transport for passengers or cargoes to secure a permit to operate from the city government of Makati and be duly registered by the LTO.

The Makati's Public Safety Department (PSD) Taskforce Operations Team recorded a total of 6,140 traffic and road safety violations from February to November, 2017, of which 227 incidents involved the said banned vehicles.

“I am directing the PSD enforcers to double their efforts in enforcing the ban against these illegally operated vehicles in the city. However, I also would like to call on all Makatizens and the rest of the commuting public to avoid riding on the habal-habal altogether,” Binay said.