Tag: e-trike

Metro Manila Council (MMC) regulations on the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) will include fines and penalties

Metro Manila Council (MMC) regulations on the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) will include fines and penalties

carlocarrasco

As the proliferation of electric tricycles (e-trikes) continues, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) announced that a resolution on regulating the use of the said electric vehicles will be released and it will include fines and penalties, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The Metro Manila Council is set to release a resolution regulating the use of electric motor vehicles, especially along major thoroughfares.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Director Victor Nuñez of the Traffic Enforcement Group said Friday that the resolution, up for discussion and approval next week, would include fines and penalties imposed on e-motor vehicle users.

Nuñez said the resolution would reconcile the policies of local government units (LGUs) on e-trikes with those of the national government.

“Nag-TWG [Technical Working Group] meeting kami last week at halos lahat in unison gusto magkaroon ng tamang regulasyon dito, kasama ang DOTr [Department of Transportation], LTO [Land Transportation Office], LTFRB [Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board],” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas briefing aired over People’s Television.

Nuñez said there is an existing LTO circular in 2021 outlining the guidelines on the regulation of e-bikes but without corresponding penalties for violations.

“Nakalagay lang kung saan pwede dumaan pero sa hindi pwede dumaan, kapag dumaan sila wala naman concrete penalty na nakalagay (Only the roads they are allowed to pass are included but it does not indicate penalties or fines). ‘Yun po ang problema kasi (There goes the problem). There’s no definitive fine for them,” he said.

“But now with the recent initiatives magkakaroon po ng fines and penalties at mas na-enhance namin ‘yung regulation pertaining to e-trikes, kuliglig and tricycles kasi ‘di lang po e-trikes nakikita natin sa national roads, pati mga tricycles din (We will include the fines and penalties as we enhance the regulation pertaining to e-trikes and even tricycles),” he said.

Several Metro Manila LGUs have existing ordinances on the regulation of e-trikes even before the pandemic, Nuñez said.

“Kinonsider namin ang mga provisions nila dito. Meron kasing LGUs na wala pa at ngayon pa lang gagawa after mailabas ang Metro Manila Council resolution. They will base their ordinances on that (We took into consideration their provisions on this. There are LGUs that have no [resolution] on this yet and said they would pattern theirs after the Metro Manila Council resolution has been released),” Nuñez said.

Several social media posts have raised concerns over the proliferation of e-bikes, with some seen driving along national highways without protective gears.

Such vehicles, including tricycles, are not allowed to ply major roads and national highways as they pose hazard to other motorists.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the local authorities will come up with a concrete regulation of the use of e-trikes? Are e-trikes in your city making the flow of traffic worse? Have there been minors driving e-trikes in your local community? Did you spot any abusive e-trike drivers on the local roads lately? When was the last time you saw someone drive an e-trike along the national highway? 

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Local governments and national government agencies discuss regulating use of e-bikes and unregistered electronic vehicles

Local governments and national government agencies discuss regulating use of e-bikes and unregistered electronic vehicles

carlocarrasco

With more electric bikes (e-bikes) adding more traffic problems on national roads and highways in recent times, several local government units (LGUs) and agencies of the national government formally met to discuss regulating the use of e-bikes and the other electronic vehicles that remain unregistered, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Several national government agencies and local government units (LGU) on Thursday began discussions on regulating the use of e-bikes and other unregistered electronic vehicles (e-vehicles) nationwide.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) between officials of the MMDA, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and traffic heads of LGUs in the National Capital Region (NCR).

During the meeting, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said the proliferation of e-vehicles has become a “cause concern.”

“The LGUs have laid down their concerns, existing ordinances, regulations, and programs concerning e-vehicles. These will be reconciled with the policies of the national government,” Artes said.

Vendors of e-vehicles, he said, often cite that, unlike regular motor vehicles, e-vehicles are neither required to be registered nor need a license to operate.

“When these e-vehicle users violate the law, how can we issue a traffic violation ticket if the users do not possess a license? We also cannot charge the vehicle owners because they are not registered,” he said.

In addition to being a “grave risk” to their drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians, he said e-vehicles also slow down the flow of traffic.

Many of their drivers have also been monitored to be minors, do not wear helmets or other protective gear, and some use their e-vehicles in the middle of highways.

“We will consolidate and harmonize all existing rules and regulations, as well as ongoing programs of the LGUs and even national government concerning e-vehicles to make it comprehensive. This will also cover not just Metro Manila but nationwide,” he said.

Metro Manila LGUs have been asked to submit a list of their ordinances regarding the regulation of e-vehicles, particularly those used for commercial purposes.

“We will take a second look at the suggestions of the LGUs and propose the appropriate measures to regulate the use of e-vehicles in major thoroughfares,” he said.

In addition, LTFRB chair Teofilo Guadiz III said e-trikes are also a concern of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program (PUVMP) as these compete with legitimate PUVs in getting passengers.

“We are coordinating with the MMDA and LTO to apprehend these units that do not have franchises to operate as PUVs,” Guadiz said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes a growing problem to traffic at major roads? Do you thinks laws should be made to prevent e-trikes from competing with the legitimate public utility vehicles when it comes to offering public transportation services? Should there be a law to prevent minors from driving e-bikes and e-trikes on all public roads nationwide?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

In response to public complaints versus e-bikes and e-trikes, government to issue new guideline soon

In response to public complaints versus e-bikes and e-trikes, government to issue new guideline soon

carlocarrasco

In recent times, a lot of people have spotted electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) traveling on national roads – including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) – and posted images of them online. That being said, the local authorities could not ignore the many complaints of these electric vehicles (EVs) and they will respond by issuing a new guideline soon, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news article. Some parts in boldface…

Viral videos of complaints against e-bikes and e-trikes , including an elementary pupil driving one of them on a national road and their presence on major thoroughfares that include the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), have prompted national government agencies to expedite the finalization of the rules and regulations that would govern both their ownership and use.

On the side of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), its chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II, said two of the measures that would be included in the recommendation they would submit to the Department of Transportation is for the registration of the e-bikes and e-trikes before the agency.

E-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered similar to motor vehicles and this is actually the major marketing strategy of its sellers, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Don Artes.

Aside from registration requirements, Mendoza said they will also include in the recommendation the issue on whether or not the users of e-bikes and e-trikes will be mandated to obtain a driver’s license.

Artes, again, said the non-requirement of a driver’s license to drive them is another selling point of the e-bikes and e-trikes.

According to Mendoza, another argument that will be included in the recommendation is the total ban of e-bikes and e-trikes not only on national roads but also on major thoroughfares and even public roads, particularly the busy ones.

“The guideline (on e-bikes and e-trikes) must be released within this month because a publication of it is still needed before the implementation,” said Mendoza in a press briefing at the MMDA office in Pasig City on Thursday, Feb. 15.

“So we should be able to submit our recommendations to the Secretary (DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista) within this week so that everything will be finally ironed out,” he added.

Exponential growth – Asked if the national government has a data on how many e-bikes and e-trikes in the country, Artes said they do not have the figure simply because there is no source of credible information since e-bikes and e-trikes are not required to be registered.

Artes, however, said that in Metro Manila alone, they have been seeing an exponential growth on the number of e-bikes and e-trikes.

But in Caloocan City where an ordinance was passed for the mandatory accounting of e-bikes and e-trikes, Artes said the figure is at around 18,000.

“So in just one LGU (local government unit) here in Metro Manila, there were already 18,000. So you can just imagine using the fact there are 17 LGUs here in Metro Manila. For sure, there are plenty of them,” said Artes.

“This is really concerning in terms of road safety because they are using roads, especially major roads, and some of the users do not even have the idea of basic road regulations that may cause accidents. So it’s about time that we come up with regulations on this matter,” he added.

E-bikes accident data – Based on the data released last month by the MMDA, a total of 556 road accidents were recorded in Metro Manila involving e-bikes and e-trikes from January to November last year.

There were two reported fatalities recorded in the same period—one was reported in February last year while the other one was reported in August last year.

The same data revealed that e-bikes and e-trikes accidents resulted in 282 non-fatal injuries and 281 cases of damage to property.

Enforcement difficulties – Artes admitted that their enforcers on the roads are having difficulty dealing with e-bikes and e-trikes. For one, they could not issue a citation ticket for traffic violation since the riders have no driver’s license in the first place.

Another one is that they could not also impound the e-bikes and e-trikes due to the absence of a guideline that would legally allow the MMDA to do so.

Consolidation of policies – Artes said there are a number of local government agencies which came up with guidelines on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, one of them is their use for livelihood by allowing e-trikes to be used as public utility vehicles.

On the part of the national government, Mendoza said they will come up with a guideline that would be nationwide in scope in coordination with local government agencies and other stakeholders.

This is the reason, he said, why they have been continuously meeting even with representatives of groups advocating e-vehicles.

“The guideline that will be issued will be nationwide on scope. So it is important that coordination with LGUs and other stakeholders is important,” said Mendoza.

For road safety – Both Artes and Mendoza said that the guidelines that will be issued by the national government are purely aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users, including the riders of e-bikes and e-trikes.

To make things clear, e-bikes and e-trikes have been around for many years now. When someone travels along a major road or even on the highway using an e-bike or e-trike, he or she adds to the danger on the road. There were 556 e-bike crashes in Metro Manila in 2023 and e-trikes were clearly not designed to be safe nor stable. While the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is taking so long to execute any solid action, more e-bikes and e-trikes are spreading around and some of them were even driven by minors. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reminded local governments to ban tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways.

To see why e-bikes and e-trikes are problematic on major roads and highways here in the Philippines, watch the following videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you consider e-bikes and e-trikes traffic hazards on major roads and highways? Do you think the national authorities will be able to come up with new rules in response to the many complaints made against e-bikes and e-trikes? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes banned on major roads and highways nationwide? Should all e-bikes and e-trikes be registered and their respective drivers should be required to have drivers’ licenses?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DILG tells local governments to strictly enforce ban on tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways

DILG tells local governments to strictly enforce ban on tricycles and pedicabs on national roads and highways

carlocarrasco

In response to the recorded numbers of accidents involving tricycles and pedicabs, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) told local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on such vehicles on national roads and highways, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA article. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded anew local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the ban on pedicabs and tricycles on national roads and highways.

“It is unfortunate that many LGUs have not been strictly implementing such regulations which often result in traffic congestion and accidents,” DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said in a statement.

This came after a tricycle was hit by a passenger bus plying the national highway in Labo, Camarines Norte on Feb. 4.

Abalos said that while tricycles and pedicabs provide accessible and affordable modes of transportation, the safety of drivers, passengers and road users are of utmost importance.

The DILG chief, however, emphasized that in cases where there are no alternative routes available and as a last resort, LGUs through their respective Sanggunian (councils) may issue an exception.

This is in compliance with the Land Transportation Office’s Memorandum Circular 94-199 issued 1994, which sets the guidelines on the devolution of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s franchising power over tricycles-for-hire to LGUs, pursuant to the Local Government Code.

The DILG in 2020 issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 2020-036 prohibiting tricycles, pedicabs and motorized pedicabs from operating on national highways.

It also recently released MC 2023-195 urging all local chief executives to reorganize or reconvene their Tricycle Task Force (TTF) to update their Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) that would include penal provisions for violators.

Based on data from the Metro Manila Accident and Reporting System, Abalos said 2,829 road accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes and pedicabs were logged in 2022 alone, which is aside from 2,241 road accidents involving tricycles.

On Monday, the municipal government of San Mateo in Rizal province started apprehending e-bikes, tricycles and pedicabs plying national roads.

For further insight, posted below are images of DILG’s Memorandum Circular 2023-195.

Below is the PDF copy of the MC 2023-195 available for viewing and download.

dilg-memocircular-2023127_451c87933cDownload

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you concerned that the rise of tricycles, pedicabs and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads and highways are the direct result of the local government’s negligence? Do you think your local government made a secret pact or deal with the operators of pedicabs, tricycles and e-bikes which granted them freedom to travel along national roads and highways? Do you think that e-bikes and electric tricycles (e-trikes) were designed to be safe and stable?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Electric bike (e-bike) crashes in Metro Manila total 556 in 2023

Electric bike (e-bike) crashes in Metro Manila total 556 in 2023

carlocarrasco

Recently the Philippine Star published a news report revealing that electric bike (e-bike) crashes in Metro Manila reached a total of 556 with Quezon City having the most number of such crashes at almost 100.

While the report was published almost a month ago, the details are still relevant as more people are discussing the disadvantages of e-bikes (note: this includes the electric tricycles or e-trikes) which until now remain unregulated under the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Here in South Metro Manila, the e-bike crashes in the cities of Las Piñas, Parañaque and Muntinlupa combined for 90.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Philippine Star news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said that there were 556 crash incidents of electric bikes (e-bikes) in Metro Manila in 2023.

According to LTFRB’s data sent to reporters, the e-bike crashes in the National Capital Region (NCR) resulted in 281 instances of property damage, 273 non-fatal injuries and two fatal injuries.

Crash incidents peaked in August 2023 with 64 cases, while the (lowest) recorded (total) to 26 cases in November 2023.

Quezon City posted the highest number of incidents among cities in the NCR with 96 e-bike crash cases. Of these, 42 are recorded as property damage with 54 non-fatal injuries.

Following Quezon City in the total number of crash incidents are these areas:

  • Marikina- 72
  • Taguig- 71
  • Manila- 52
  • Parañaque- 46
  • Makati- 39
  • Caloocan- 36
  • Pasig- 36
  • Las Piñas- 29
  • Pasay- 22
  • Muntinlupa- 15
  • Mandaluyong- 14
  • Valenzuela 11
  • Pateros- 7
  • San Juan- 7
  • Malabon- 2
  • Navotas- 1

In November 2023, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) proposed the mandatory registration of e-bikes, saying that only registered e-bikes should be allowed to use public roads.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent report? Are you convinced that by design, electric bikes and electric tricycles were not really made to be safe for its drivers and passengers when traveling along major roads? Are you convinced that e-bikes and e-trikes are so slow moving, they made the flow of traffic on major roads worse? When do you think the LTO will come up with major reforms needed to have all e-bikes and e-trikes regulated and registered? Have you reached out to your city’s council members to have all electric bikes banned from traveling on major roads? Did you spot any e-trike in your city driven by minors recently?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

As e-trikes become more involved in road hazards, traffic violations and accidents, regulation of them in Muntinlupa City proposed

As e-trikes become more involved in road hazards, traffic violations and accidents, regulation of them in Muntinlupa City proposed

carlocarrasco

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, electric tricycles (e-trikes) became a topic of concern for one member of the City Council, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The City Councilor clarified that any regulation covering e-trikes will be discussed in a public hearing that will be conducted by the legislative body.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

A member of the Muntinlupa City Council has proposed to regulate passenger e-trikes (electric tricycles) amid the growing number of the vehicles plying the national road.

During the City Council’s regular session on Jan. 29, Councilor Ryan Bagatsing expressed concerns about the safety of e-trikes, which are currently not required to register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

He is also concerned that some e-trike users are not following traffic rules and overloading.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin, Bagatsing said the use of e-trikes should be regulated in Muntinlupa.

Bagatsing noted that road accidents have happened involving e-trikes. He is also concerned that in some cases, these electric vehicles are driven by minors.

He is proposing that all e-trikes should be registered with the city government to identify the owners, users and drivers.

“It’s the same thing with what we are doing with fishing boats. These have body numbers to identify the users. We really need to come up with some regulations,” he said.

Another issue is e-trikes using the national road in Muntinlupa. Currently, tricycles in Muntinlupa are banned from using the national road, a long stretch of road from Barangay Tunasan to Sucat.

Motorists have complained that e-trikes have become hazards on major roads in the country.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, do you consider e-trikes as a hazard on the major roads locally? Do you think that e-trike drivers in the city lack discipline and are prone to causing traffic violations knowing that they are not under the LTO since they are not required to be registered with them? Do you think that e-trikes traveling along major roads like the Alabang Zapote Road are so slow, they make traffic congestion worse and slower moving? Do you think it is time to have all e-trikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) banned from traveling along the city’s major roads?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

+++++

Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – December 4, 2020

Las Piñas City Police Force at Work – December 4, 2020

carlocarrasco

The Las Piñas City Police Department continues to serve the local constituents by means of securing places, implementing rules and helping those who need assistance. Check out these recent media releases and pay close attention to the details written.

On December 3, 2020, BGEN VICENTE D DANAO JR, Acting Regional Director, NCRPO, PBGEN EMMANUEL B PERALTA, DD, SPD, PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP, LPCPS together with PLTCOL YAHYA B YUSUP, ACOPA, and PMAJ JOSE A ANAZ, ACOPO led the scheduled Courtesy Call/Ugnayan with Hon. Mayor Imelda T Aguilar and Hon. Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery held at the Office of the Mayor, Las Pinas City Hall, Las Piñas City. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
On December 3, 2020, PBGEN VICENTE D DANAO JR, Acting Regional Director, NCRPO, PBGEN EMMANUEL B PERALTA, DD, SPD, PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP, LPCPS together with PLTCOL YAHYA B YUSUP, ACOPA, PMAJ JOSE A ANAZ, ACOPO and Hon. April Aguilar-Nery, City Vice Mayor, Las Piñas City led the destruction of sixty five (65) Video Karera/Fruit Game machines in line with the PNP intensified campaign on anti-criminality, anti-illegal drugs operation and PNP Internal Cleansing and witnessed by Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) NCR represented by Atty. Queenie Agnes Somera, Public Attorney III and Atty. Felicia Zelica Longcab Deputy Chief, Prosecutor’s Office, Las Pinas City held in front of the Las Pinas City Hall Compound, LPC. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
On December 3, 2020, PBGEN VICENTE D DANAO JR, Acting Regional Director, NCRPO, PBGEN EMMANUEL B PERALTA, DD, SPD, PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP, LPCPS together with PLTCOL YAHYA B YUSUP, ACOPA, PMAJ JOSE A ANAZ, ACOPO witnessed the Turnover of 3 Units of E-Trike from the Las Piñas City Local Government Unit led by Hon. April Aguilar-Nery, City Vice Mayor, Las Piñas City held at Las Pinas City Hall Compound, LPC. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
On December 3, 2020, elements of Talon Sub-Station utilizing MC 111 under the supervision of PMAJ LEO GLENN T. CALABIO, Talon Sub-Station Commander, through the strong leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Piñas CPS, established Police Assistance/Police Visibility and Strict Implementation of Social Distancing and Mandatory Wearing of Facemask regarding Distribution of Social Amelioration Program (SAP) at the said address. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)
On December 3, 2020, elements of Pilar Sub Station utilizing MC 109 led bt PEMS Jaime Davis under the supervision or PMAJ JOYLENE BULAN, Sub-Station Commander and PLT RO ERT KODIAMAT, deputy commander under the leadership of PCOL RODEL A PASTOR, COP of Las Piñas City Police Station conducted Oplan Galugad and anti illegal gambling within our AOR. (source – Las Piñas City Police Department)

If you are in Las Piñas City and you need the help of the local police, call 85516401 or visit https://www.facebook.com/pcrstation4/

+++++

The above information and images were provided by the Las Piñas City Police Station for the purpose of public information and transparency. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

My Observations: Las Piñas Is Modernizing Public Transportation With Electric Tricycles (E-Trikes)

My Observations: Las Piñas Is Modernizing Public Transportation With Electric Tricycles (E-Trikes)

carlocarrasco

In recent times the City Government of Las Piñas headed by its Mayor Imelda “Mel” Aguilar has been making a lot of progress with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction by releasing to local tricycle drivers and operators electric tricycle (e-trike) units that they received from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE donated 100 e-trikes to Las Piñas which in turn coordinated with the varied tricycle operators from the city’s twenty barangays. On April 5, 2019, the City Government’s Facebook page posted pictures of its most recent turnover of e-trikes to specific operators. Posted below is one of them.

56162422_2093046080794057_2902007035656667136_o
Las Piñas City Government officials with the recipients in a turnover ceremony at City Hall. (photo by Shawnette Ramos for City of Las Piñas Facebook page)

Right below is a picture of electric tricycle units that I photographed during my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.

IMG_20190125_104451~2.jpg
From my visit at Las Piñas City Hall.

The future of local public transportation in the city is looking bright. Once these electric tricycles go into full operation, the following is expected to happen:

  1. A more comfortable ride for passengers thanks to the new tricycle design. The e-trike is one whole unit (versus the motorcycle linked with a passenger-carrying unit of the old tricycle design).
  2. Reduction on noise pollution because there is no fuel-based engine.
  3. Reduction on air pollution because there is no fuel-based engine and no exhaust.
  4. Complete avoidance on spending money on fuel which by the liter, as of this writing, is expensive. Recharging, not refueling, is the way for E-Trike operators to recover and keep operating the next day.

Think about it carefully. E-Trikes can bring passengers through the quiet villages more safely, quieter and without adding anymore air pollution that would affect families at their homes.

Now that the benefits of E-Trikes have been discussed, it’s time to take a close look as to how these positive developments in Las Piñas happened in the first place.

The answer is City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018). and below is a summary of the details written on it.

The Ordinance

Formally titled “An Ordinance Allowing The Operation of E-Trike in The City of Las Pinas and Providing Guideliness Thereto.”, with “E-Trike Ordinance” as the shorter title, City Ordinance Number 1536-18 (Series of 2018) was approved by the City Council and Mayor Aguilar on May 28, 2018. As written on the Ordinance, it was deemed that the adoption of the e-trike project is a necessary step in combating unreasonable high oil prices and ending dependency on oil. The E-Trike was viewed to be eco-friendly, noise-free and air pollution-free. It has the potential to generate higher income for operators and even create new jobs.

Section 2 of the Ordinance states: The City of Las Pinas fully supports the national government’s e-tricle project. It is also committed in enforcing the applicable provisions of the Clean Air Act and in addressing community concerns about high oil prices, pollution and health hazard as well as in providing new job opportunities.

Section 4 (E-trike Franchise Grant) legalizes the use of electric tricycles within the territorial jurisdiction of the city. For this purpose, one hundred units of three-wheeled electric power driven vehicle or e-trike shall be granted franchise by the City of Las Pinas through the Sangguniang Panglunsod.

Section 5 (Guidelines) states that no e-trike franchise shall be granted unless the unit utilizes environmental-friendly batteries as determined by the Environment and Natural Resources Office, has an on-board charger and is deemed roadworthy while also possessing the required safety features.

The individual applicant is an actual resident and registered voter of the city. The transport cooperative may be granted in its name up to five franchises subject to compliance with the qualification requirements of the drivers.

For E-Trike Rent-To-Own Program or variations thereof and/or meanwhile that the ownership of the unit is not yet fully transferred to the intended buyer, a provisional franchise may be granted in favor of the proponent. Provided, that the qualification requirements of the intended buyers or drivers of the vehicle are complied with.

Section 6 (Parts Availability) – the proponent shall make available within the city such parts as may be needed for the continued operation of the E-Trike.

Section 7 (Charging Stations) – charging stations shall be established in strategic public places in the city. For the total franchises herein fixed, no less than two charging stations shall be required of the proponents to establish. In this regard, not all contemplated franchises shall be issued by the Sangguniang Panglunsod unless the establishment of the charging stations is assured or completed.

Section 8 (Incentives) – Franchisees shall be granted a 50% discount on all fees applicable to trimobiles specifically the franchise fee, the annual supervision fee, the mayor’s permit fee, the legal research fee, the sticker fee and the police inspection fee.

If you wish to obtain copies of the Ordinance, visit City Hall.

Conclusion

With the E-Trike Ordinance in full force, Las Piñas City is clearly on its way forward with modernizing public transportation within its jurisdiction using electric tricycles which serve passengers traveling between the important city roads and the villages.

As far as South Metro Manila is concerned, Las Piñas has joined the electric vehicle bandwagon with Muntinlupa City (which has e-trikes and electric jeepneys already for years) for public transportation.

The City of Parañaque meanwhile remains behind. Last time I checked at Parañaque City Hall, they don’t even have a draft ordinance needed to legalize the use of electric vehicles for public transportation.

Speaking of Parañaque, I can’t forget the embarrassing failed launch of the electric tricycle project of the BF Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. (BFFHAI) of 2016. From the way things looked back then, BFFHAI failed to verify if Parañaque (which occupies a huge portion of BF Homes subdivision) had any ordinance legalizing the use of electric vehicles for public transportation. Back then, Las Piñas (which occupies another large portion of BF Homes subdivision) obviously did not have a similar ordinance.

Right now in South Metro Manila, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa are leading the way for public commuters with electric vehicles.

My Observations: Still No Draft Proposal For Electric Vehicles At Parañaque City (February 21, 2019 update)

My Observations: Still No Draft Proposal For Electric Vehicles At Parañaque City (February 21, 2019 update)

carlocarrasco

I revisited Parañaque City Hall today to find out if there were any breakthroughs with regards to legalizing/legitimizing the use of electric vehicles for public transportation use within the city.

The result of my visit? NO PROGRESS whatsoever! According to my sources there, NOT EVEN A DRAFT PROPOSAL was made nor submitted by any member of the City Council until now (February 21, 2019).

This lack of progress to modernize public transportation in Parañaque is indeed disturbing. The City Government of Muntinlupa approved legislation for electric vehicles for public transportation years ago which explains why electric jeepneys (e-jeep) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) are present within the city and commuters have been riding them. At nearby Las Piñas City, their approval of an electric tricycle ordinance since May 2018 resulted their receiving of a donation of one hundred e-trike units from the Department of Energy and already many of those said units have bee deployed to barangays around the city through the different Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODAs).

LPetrike
On November 2018, City Government officials of Las Pinas formally received from the Department of Energy (DOE) one hundred electric tricycle (e-trike) units as a donation and the City’s Electric Tricycle ordinance (approved May 2018) made that possible. (photo source – City of Las Pinas Facebook page)

LPetrike2222
A few of the 100 electric tricycles (e-trikes) donated by the DOE to Las Pinas. (photo source – City of Las Pinas Facebook page)

Going back to Parañaque, which was where I grew up in long ago, it is mind boggling that even though the national government has been heavily pushing for public utility vehicles modernization (or PUV Modernization) using technology that is cleaner, safe, more comfortable and less noisy, the City Government under mayor Edwin Olivarez still has not made any moves to legalize e-vehicles as a viable form of public transportation for the commuters. Safe to say, Parañaque is now behind Las Pinas and Muntinlupa on PUV modernization and commuters have no choice but to ride those noisy, unsafe and air-polluting tricycles and jeepneys.

No political will, no legislation and certainly no PUV modernization.

What is very funny is that mayor Olivarez has posed for pictures with electric vehicles more than once! Look at these pictures I found.

Olivarezetrikebffhai
Parañaque’s mayor (7th from left) posing for pictures during the July 2016 launch of the FAILED electric tricycle project of the BF Federation of Homeowner Association, Inc. (BFFHAI), BFCOM and Barangay BF Homes. The project was launched but never went into full operation due to legal and technical problems. Of course, the City had NO ORDINANCE to legitimize such a project. It comes to show that the project handlers failed to do their research on the legality of e-vehicles for public transportation. (photo source – Ecos Efi Facebook page)

OlivarezTrike
In April 2017, Parañaque’s mayor (seated at the back) rode a solar-electric tricycle of Star 8 during a demonstration at Parañaque City Hall. It was all just a show. (photo source – Mayor Edwin Olivarez Facebook page)

All that posing in front of photographers. Smiling with guests. Looking handsome. Still no breakthrough!

With the next local election happening on May this year, it remains to be seen if the incumbent City Government officials will do anything to improve public transportation for the many commuters of the city. Those commuters have no choice but to endure the high noise and dirty air when traveling within the city.

If you are a concerned citizen and you want reforms to happen, better write formal letters to the City Council members, the City Administrator (Fernando Ding Soriano), the Vice Mayor (Rico Golez) and the Mayor himself.

Watch out for my next electric vehicles update. I got something significant coming.

Thank you for reading. If you found this article to be engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco.

Parañaque still has no ordinance to legitimize electric vehicles for public transportation

carlocarrasco

 

img_20190122_105253~2
On display at the grounds of Parañaque City Hall was this large solar-powered electric tricycle (e-trike). The irony is that Parañaque itself has no law to legitimize electric vehicles for public transportation.

The love and care for the natural environment is often present in the minds of people who manage the city government. Really nobody wants to live in a city filled with scattered garbage, lots of air pollution and poor drainage.

An extension of the care for the environment is the focus on the use of electric vehicles which generate much less noise and much less air pollution. Here in the Southern portion of Metro Manila, the cities of Muntinlupa and Las Pinas respectively have laws that legitimized the use of electric vehicles for public transportation purposes.

This means that commuters can choose to ride a jeepney or a tricycle that runs on electric power whenever they are available in public. When they do ride an e-vehicle, there is much less noise and air pollution created by their ride. Potentially more e-vehicles replacing those gasoline/diesel-burning vehicles can bring down air pollution and improve the quality of air in the city.

Recently the Department of Energy (DOE) donated 150 electric tricycle units to the City of Muntinlupa and 100 electric tricycle units to the City of Las Pinas (which subsequently turned them over to local tricycle operators).

As for the nearby City of Parañaque……ZERO!

Considering the huge population of Parañaque and the City Government’s strong advocacy of environmental care and city cleanliness under the leadership of incumbent mayor Edwin Olivarez, it is weird that nothing has been done to legitimize the use of e-vehicles for public transportation.

I was at Parañaque City Hall on January 23 and during my visit I checked thoroughly with officials there to verify if there is any existing law (or city ordinance) that would make public transportation with electric vehicles happen.

As it turned out, officials confirmed to me that no such ordinance has been approved until now.

What is even more disturbing, as I kept on digging for answers, was the confirmation that there is not even a draft proposal submitted for legislation!

For as long as no city ordinance has been approved to legalize the use of e-vehicles for public transportation, Parañaque’s streets (including those inside villages) will be occupied by fossil fuel-guzzling jeepneys, buses and tricycles that are not only making the air dirty but also remain noisy and even unsafe and uncomfortable (due to outdated vehicular designs) for commuters to ride.

This also means that no village administrator can just establish and fully operate its own line of electric tricycles within the city. Back in 2016 in BF Homes, the BF Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. (BFFHAI) launched its line of electric tricycles with mayor Olivarez and vice mayor Rico Golez as special guests. Because they were in Parañaque (which has a huge jurisdiction of BF Homes subdivision) and there was no ordinance to legalize the use of electric vehicles for public transportation within the city, the BFFHAI’s e-trikes were not accepted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and they were not fully operated. As such, those electric tricycles got wasted and was limited to being parked at the side of the BF Homes clubhouse along Elsie Gatches street. Because pictures of those parked electric tricycles became public viewed, the federation quietly had them removed.

Until now Parañaque remains behind Muntinlupa and Las Pinas when it comes to using technology to improve public transportation and reducing air and noise pollution at the same time. For the past few years, Muntinlupa has electric jeepneys on public roads and some electric tricycles serving villagers. In Las Pinas, the number of electric tricycles serving local communities is slowly growing which is the result of their City Council and Mayor approving the “E-trike Ordinance” (City Ordinance Number 1536-18, Series of 2018) on May 28, 2018. Back to Parañaque, no legislation means no progressive change will happen.

It is notable that Parañaque lost its edge when it comes to city competitiveness nationwide. According to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2018 released during the 6th Regional Competitiveness Summit, Parañaque ranked only #21. Even provincial cities like Bacolod and Naga are way ahead at numbers 9 and 10 respectively. With these mentioned, Parañaqu

After finding out the truth about the lack of a law for the public transportation use of e-vehicles in Parañaque, I walked out of the building and as I moved on further on City Hall grounds, I saw two electric tricycle units (made by Star 8) on display at an environment-oriented exhibit. I pictured the more elaborate e-trike (the one above).

Wow. Think about that. Electric tricycles on display in a city that does not even allow electric vehicles to be used to serve commuters publicly.

Before I forget, let me state that the City Government was celebrating the 18th anniversary of Republic Act Number 9003 which is the national law on ecological solid waste management which itself emphasizes care and responsibility of the environment.

Now when will Parañaque’s officials start working to legitimize e-vehicles for public transportation? If you are a certified city resident who wants to see those fuel-burning public utility vehicles be replaced gradually with e-vehicles, consider taking time out to write letters to the city government officials. Even though there is an upcoming democratic exercise in the form of a local election on May 2019, communicating with your officials is still recommended.

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format.