Drivers, commuters argue at City Council on tricycle fare issue

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — There were differing and concurring points raised at the City Council, where drivers and operators of motorcabs-for-hire, and commuters tackled the controversial ordinance reducing the minimum fare rate by P2 in the city.

The Council's special session was also carried out as a committee of the whole and as a public consultation to hear the sentiments of both sides over the fare adjustment, which resulted in a 10-hour transport strike last Wednesday.

During the public consultation, drivers and operators of MCHs (also known as tricycles or pedicabs) sought redress for the lowered fare rate, which they claimed was disadvantageous to them. They argued that, while the fuel prices dropped in the past weeks, there was no corresponding adjustment in the cost of commodities, among other things.

Commuters, for their part, also leveled up their concerns, such as wanting a rollback in fare because of the lower prices of gasoline. They also noted, among other things, that tricycle drivers are duty-bound to convey passengers as they are in the public service sector, but many of them were arrogant and discourteous.

Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling Sr., in presiding the session, explained that the public consultation was held as part of the move of the legislative body to amend Ordinance No. 177, series of 2007, which stipulates a corresponding automatic adjustment of pedicab fare if prices of petroleum products either go up or down.

The recent adjustment in a resolution stipulating the current fare at P6.50 minimum, from P8.50 had led to a "Tigil Pasada" or transport strike by MCHs Wednesday, led by the ND Motor Piston-Dumaguete, as a peaceful act of protest. — (FREEMAN)