Yorme allows trikes on city streets

Let me be clear about this. This is to help all workers, especially medical health workers, in Manila have access to a means of transportation

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso is allowing all tri-wheeled vehicles to ply city streets for the duration of the two-week-long modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

The mayor made the announcement during a meeting with about 400 members of the Manila Traffic and Parking

Bureau (MTPB) at the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park beside City Hall.

Apart from the directive, Domagoso also tasked all traffic enforcers to serve as COVID-19 safety marshalls, apart from their regular duties.

As safety marshalls, they shall ensure the implementation of various safety and health protocols, such as the wearing of masks, strict observance of physical distancing, the ban on mass gatherings and the apprehension of curfew violators, including minors.

Likewise, he emphasized that, although no liquor ban is being enforced in the city, alcoholic drinks may only be imbibed indoors in the privacy of one’s home.

Among tri-wheeled vehicles allowed on Manila’s roads are tricycles, e-trikes and pedicabs.

“I am allowing all pedicabs, e-trikes and tricycles to do business during the MECQ,” Domagoso said. “I only have one request. Please follow the directive of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) — just one passenger.”

He explained he allowed the drivers to operate as a way of helping them make a living during the MECQ period.

“Let me be clear about this. This is to help all workers, especially medical health workers, in Manila have access to a means of transportation,” he said.

In allowing drivers to operate their vehicles, he stressed that only one passenger is allowed in each vehicle.

Likewise, both driver and passenger must wear a mask, in compliance with City Ordinance 8627.