Franchise discount for tricycle operators eyed in Mandaue

CEBU, Philippines - A measure that seeks to give 50 percent discount on franchise fee to all tricycle-for-hire units from December 15 to January 30 next year is being lobbied at the Mandaue City Council.

“Whereas, the granting of a special price for all applicable fees encourages current public utility tricycle operators, including delinquent ones, with existing franchise to renew the same at a specified period of time,” read a portion of the ordinance, which was approved on first reading during the council session yesterday.

This proposed ordinance also waives monthly penalties to expired franchise, “if appropriate.”

The proposal, authored by City Councilor Elstone Dabon, also aims to “encourage” applicants to apply at the earliest possible time.

“Of most importance, Mandaue does not tolerate illegal plying of public utility tricycles in the city and will find all possible means to prevent illegal tricycle operators with no franchise to ply within the territorial jurisdiction of the city,” it read further.

Based on Section 15 of City Ordinance No. 13-2014-904, the current filing fee for tricycle-for-hire is P100, while the franchise is P500.

The payment for substitution unit is P100, the “supervision” fee is P120 and the inspection fee from the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue is P50.

The penalty for expired franchise is P100 per month.

If the ordinance is approved on final reading, owners who renew their franchise between December 15 to January 30 next year will be entitled to rates discounted by half, while the monthly penalties for expired franchises will be also waived. — Liv G. Campo (FREEMAN)