IT Park bans habal-habal; drivers seek city's help

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of motorcycle-for-hire drivers are seeking City Hall’s intervention after the management of the Asiatown IT Park in Barangay Lahug barred them from transporting passengers to the different establishments inside.

Ariel A. Acal, president of Upper Don Bosco Habal-Habal Operators and Drivers Association, sought the help of Councilor Edgardo Labella in asking the management of Asiantown IT Park to reconsider its order.

Acal said the order was issued by Francis Monera, president of Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corporation (CPVDC) and Cebu Holdings Inc. (CHI). CPVDC is the developer of Asiatown IT Park.

The Cebu City Council referred the matter to the Committee on Traffic Management and City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) for proper action.

Acal said Monera’s order has badly affected their livelihood. He added this is their only source of income so they can send their children to school and buy their basic needs.

“Sa kadugay na namong agi-agi sa sulod sa IT Park gidid-an na kami sa pagsulod nga magdala’g pasahero, ilabi na sa pag-drop sa tagsa-tagsa ka establisemento nga unta wala man kami makalapas sa gipatuman nila nga balaud,” Acal said. (We’ve been transporting passengers to IT Park for years. But now, they barred us when we have not violated any of the rules they are implementing.)

The FREEMAN tried but failed to contact Monera.

But a security guard of IT Park who asked not to be named told The FREEMAN that some of the habal-habal passengers complained that there are abusive motorcycle drivers.

“Ang uban gud sa mga driver og habal-habal kusug kaayo manglubag nga mangolekta og mahal nga plete sa ilang pasahero,” the guard said. (Some drivers overcharge their passengers.)

Also, some habal-habal drivers do not wear crash helmets and do not provide one for their passengers while others use motorcycles with defective lights and other accessories. (FREEMAN)