Talisay backs PB measure on review of motorcycles law

The Talisay City council recently supported a Provincial Board resolution seeking for a congressional review of the law that regulates the use of private motorcycles.

The council approved its own resolution to support PB Resolution No. 4646-2005, which requested Congress' transportation committee, to review, repeal or amend Section 7 of Republic Act 4136, and authorize instead local governments to regulate the use of motorcycles-for-hire, locally known as "habal-habal."

The city council's resolution was authored by Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza, chairman of the peace and order and public safety committee that handles the city's Traffic Commission.

Section 7 of RA 4136 made clear that motorcycles 'shall not be used for hire under any circumstances and shall not be used to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay."

But the PB resolution cited that the use of this type of vehicles has become "widespread and unrestricted", not only in Cebu but also throughout the country.

"It is often the only motor vehicle which can transport people and goods (through) narrow trails and passageways...impassable by bigger four-wheel vehicles and also a comparatively cheaper means of transportation...in hinterland barangays," the PB resolution said.

Despite RA 4136, Talisay City has "tolerated" the operations of habal-habal because they evolved into a means of livelihood for other people.

But the city's TrafCom has formulated rules and regulations over "habal-habals", prompting Belleza to push for a resolution for such because of "dire need for such supervision and control to enforce order on the road or off-road, promote and enhance the safety of passengers." - Liv G. Campo