Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Author Carlo Carrasco

Couple Arrested In Valenzuela City For Mass Producing And Selling Fake Government ID Cards

September 18, 2025September 11, 2025carlocarrasco

In the City of Valenzuela, the local police officers arrested a couple suspected of mass producing fake government ID cards and selling them online, according to a news report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

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

Valenzuela police apprehended a couple allegedly mass producing and selling fake government IDs online, Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian announced on Wednesday at a press conference.

PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) Acting Director PBGen. Bernard Yang said the couple was tagged as the main suppliers by another online seller the police previously arrested.

Apart from forging tools, and a printer, operatives seized over 300 pieces of the fake government-issued identification cards: PhilHealth, Social Security System (SSS), Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID), Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Driver’s licenses. The suspects also reportedly forged government documents such as PhilHealth Member Data Records.

“We have confiscated so many IDs. They can do almost anything. And these are being sold online on different social media platforms ranging from P40 to P1,000,” Yang stated in Filipino.

The cops identified the couple as “Chippie,” 44, and “Kaye,” 40, who, when asked by the media, admitted to printing the IDs saying they were only doing their jobs, but they failed to name their employer.

They will face charges of falsification of documents, a violation of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Gatchalian advised against the production of fake IDs as it affects local businesses, as well as persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

“Disadvantaged here are the establishments that are losing money… The real senior citizens and the real PWDs of our city are disenfranchised,” the mayor said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Additionally, PhilHealth NCR Vice President Bernadette Lico reminded that registering to Philhealth can be done online, and the IDs can be claimed for free, highlighting that there’s no need to pay for fake documents.

“There are many people online who are buying PhilHealth IDs ranging from P200 to P900… There is no need to do this anymore. Because all Filipinos are covered by PhilHealth, When you get an ID made, there is no fee. And with the e-gov app, you can register for a PhilHealth ID online.” Lico explained.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Does this development make you concerned that there could be crime suspects among the many people who sell online live? Does the arrest of the suspect turn you off from attending online selling sessions? If you recently bought products from online selling sessions, were the good legitimate? Do you know anyone who became a victim of the suspect in the above news story?

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

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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

Land Transportation Office (LTO) urges motorists to avail of online driver’s license renewal

August 7, 2025July 30, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently the Land Transportation Office (LTO) urged motorists to take advantage of the online driver’s license renewal process which would save them time and money when compared to personally doing it at physical renewal centers, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II urged all its clients to avail of the online driver’s license renewal in order to save time and money for the transaction.

By availing of the online platform, Mendoza said motorists would save time and money compared to personally going to LTO offices just to renew their driver’s license.

“With this digital platform, our kababayan, especially the busy workers, will save more time, energy and even their hard-earned money if they avail of this because they no longer have to go to LTO offices for this particular transaction,” said Mendoza.

“And another benefit of this technology is we are able to reduce human intervention, which means that this is an effective anti-fixer and anti-corruption platform,” he added.

The online driver”s license renewal, which was mentioned by President Marcos in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), can also be accessed through the eGov app.

Mendoza said he already instructed all Regional Directors to amplify the traditional and social media campaigns to promote online driver’s license renewal. The online driver’s license renewal is fully available not only in the country but also abroad.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you tried renewing your driver’s license online as the LTO stated? Is the online driver’s renewal system functional and efficient? How many motorists in your local community prefer to have their licenses renewed at the physical offices of the LTO?

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

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Seller of fake government IDs arrested

May 18, 2025May 15, 2025carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Valenzuela, local police officers arrested a woman who was engaged in the selling of fake government identification cards (including driver’s licenses), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. In its official online update, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the authorities seized from the suspect a mobile phone, a UMID identification card, cash bills, boodle money, and fake ID cards as evidence. The LTO stated that the suspect was also involved in the manufacturing of fake IDs.

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

The Valenzuela City Police, led by station chief Col. Nixon Cayaban, arrested a woman for selling fake government IDs on Wednesday, May 14.

The suspect, identified as “Tere”, 29, a resident of Barangay Gen. T. De Leon, was caught in an entrapment operation conducted by the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) and the Northern Police District Anti-Cybercrime Team. Authorities said the suspect was selling fake driver’s licenses and PWD IDs in the city.

Col. Cayaban urged the public to remain cautious, especially when dealing with suspicious online offers, and to report illegal activities to the proper authorities.

Mayor Wes Gatchalian issued a warning to scammers.

“Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela (Scammers are not welcome in Valenzuela).”

“Nawa’y magsilbing babala ito sa lahat ng nagbabalak na manloko sa kapwa ko Valenzuelano. Bawal ang manloloko sa Valenzuela City at sinuman ang magtatangkang gumawa ng krimen kagaya ng pagbebenta ng pekeng government ID ay titiyakin nating mananagot sa batas (May this serve as a warning to anyone planning to deceive my fellow Valenzuelanos. Scammers have no place in Valenzuela City, and anyone who attempts to commit crimes such as selling fake government IDs will be held accountable under the law),” Gatchalian added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that the government lost more than P88 billion worth of taxes in 2023 because of fake Persons with Disabilities (PWD) ID cards? Do you think someone in your local community is engaging in the making or selling of fake ID cards? Are there any members of your local community searching for sellers of fake IDs?

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

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Makers of fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers arrested

September 20, 2024September 20, 2024carlocarrasco

There is no doubt that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) added a lot to criminal activities and pain in the country which is why a national ban on them was declared. Still there is a lot to uncover with regards to the processing of records of people – both foreign and local – who worked for POGOs. Recently, law enforcers raided an office that turned out to be making fake passports and ID cards for POGO workers, according to a GMA Network news report. The suspects were arrested for falsifying public documents.

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

An office manufacturing fake documents like identification cards and passports was raided by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in Sampaloc, Manila.

According to John Consulta’s report on “24 Oras,” it was also discovered that the group was making fake IDs and passports for Chinese and Filipinos who work for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

The location appears to be just a photocopying stall from the outside, but upon entering, the equipment and tools allegedly used to make fake IDs and documents were seen.

Pieces of evidence were recovered in the raid such as documents from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Land Transportation Office (LTO), drug tests with negative results, and agency IDs, all of which are fake.

Several Central Processing Units (CPU) of the computers were also recovered, where the files of the contractors who work at POGO are being kept.

According to the NCRPO, this started with the fake IDs and passports of the Chinese that they handed over to the scam hub in Parañaque last month.

“Medyo mahirap-hirap hanapin. Palipat-lipat sila. Ang transaction ay three different persons. We were able to arrest personalities involved in the forging, falsification at paggawa nitong items na ito, lalo na ang passport, identification card, and birth certificate,” said Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, NCRPO Regional Director.

(It’s a little hard to find. They move around. The transaction involves three different persons.)

Since the POGOs in the country are only valid until December, the NCRPO suspects that the Chinese are now busy making Philippine passports for them to stay in the Philippines.

“Ang kailangan nila during their travel, para undetected na maka-travel is to produce these kind of documents, lalo na ang passport,” said Nartatez.

(What they need during their travel, to be able to travel undetected is to produce these kinds of documents, especially the passport.)

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the pieces of evidence that the law enforcers found will help them put a stop to further falsification of documents by Chinese nationals and POGO workers? Are you concerned that there may have been many Chinese nationals in the Philippine who already secured fake passports and fake ID cards to be able to stay longer in the country?

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

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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 engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Prohibition on e-bikes and e-trikes on major Metro Manila roads takes effect today

April 15, 2024April 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Be mindful that effective today, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) are officially prohibited from traveling along major roads of Metro Manila in accordance to the Metro Manila Council’s approved resolution.

To be very clear, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) declared the following thoroughfares as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes: C1: Recto Avenue; C2: Pres. Quirino Avenue; C3: Araneta Avenue; C4: EDSA; C5: Katipunan/CP Garcia; C6: Southeast Metro Manila Expressway; R1: Roxas Boulevard; R2: Taft Avenue; R3: Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway); R4: Shaw Boulevard; R5: Ortigas Avenue; R6: Magsaysay Blvd./Aurora Blvd; R7: Quezon Ave./Commonwealth Ave; R8: A. Bonifacio Ave.; R9: Rizal Ave.; R10: Del Pan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway; Elliptical Road; Mindanao Avenue; and Marcos Highway.

As mentioned previously, it is up to the Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) to add more roads to the above list by means of approving local ordinances. Going back to the ban on e-trikes and e-bikes on Metro Manila’s major roads, Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon publicly emphasized the aspect of safety.

“It is about time we rationalize the use of these vehicles which are increasingly getting involved in accidents, cause traffic and endanger their users,” Mayor Biazon said in Manila Bulletin’s February 28, 2024 news report.

I should also state that there have been a lot of videos of e-trikes and e-bikes that caused problems on public roads and posted below for your viewing are YouTube videos I found. Do not be surprised to see how reckless or careless some e-bike/e-trike drivers turned out as caught on video.

https://youtu.be/PFhcki385Wo?si=9fkQLgeGT7QpdMET

It’s one thing for a person to drive an e-bike or e-trike, it is completely another for him or her to be fully oriented with traffic rules and safety oriented driving. In my view, all e-bike and e-trike units should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and each driver of electric vehicles should be required to get licensed to drive (which includes attending seminars and passing the tests). This is all about the greater good, the need to be orderly and ensuring road safety in general.

*An electric tricycle (e-trike) spotted traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. Do you think e-bikes and e-trikes should be banned on that major road someday?*

*An electric tricycle spotted moving slowly on the leftmost lane along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (DASA) in Parañaque City. Should a ban on e-bikes and e-trikes along this road be implemented someday?*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you wish to see the ban on e-bikes and e-trikes be expanded to even more major roads of Metro Manila? Do you think it is high time that all e-bike/e-trike drivers should be required to attend road safety seminars and pass tests in order to be licensed to drive? Are there many e-bike/e-trike drivers in your local community who often drive carelessly or recklessly? Is every e-bike/e-trike driver in your city fully aware of the traffic rules and the basics of safety oriented driving?

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

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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

Electric bike (e-bike) driver hits elderly woman who eventually died

April 9, 2024April 6, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Marikina, an elderly woman died shortly after getting hit by an electric bike (e-bike) while crossing the road which was captured on CCTV, according to a GMA Network news report. The e-bike driver, who is now under the custody of the local police, has been charged for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The victim was 73-years-old.

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

A grandmother in Marikina was killed after being hit by an electric bicycle or e-bike.

According to Marisol Abduhraman’s report on “24 Oras,” the victim was not immediately brought to the hospital, her family claimed.

As seen on the CCTV footage, after the woman opened her umbrella, she started crossing the road. But while crossing, an electric bicycle hit her.

The woman fell down and was immediately approached by bystanders and the e-bike rider.

The 73-year-old Luzviminda Bisares was declared dead when she was taken to the hospital.

“Hindi ako makapaniwala bakit niya po binangga at sinagasaan po ang lola ko na nagtamo ng brain injury and putol po ang braso niya,” said the victim’s granddaughter, Samantha Bisarez.

(I can’t believe why he hit my grandmother causing her to suffer from brain injury, her arm was broken.)

She added that it was impossible for the rider not to notice her grandmother, especially since she was carrying an open umbrella.

“Sabi niya may tinitingnan daw siya sa bulsa niya pero nasa CCTV at lahat noong tao doon nakita na nagse-cellphone po siya while driving,” said Samantha.

(He said he was looking at something in his pocket but it was seen on CCTV and everyone there saw that he was using his cell phone while driving.)

“Sabihin na nating aksidente pero bakit mo hinayaang manlamig, lumamig ‘yung lola ko. Bakit hindi ka nag-insist na ipagamot yung lola ko o ipadala sa ospital? Para sana madugtungan pa ‘yung buhay niya?” she added.

(Let’s say it was an accident but why didn’t you insist on bringing my grandmother to the hospital so she could be treated?)

The rider explained that he did not immediately take the grandmother to the hospital because he was panicking.

“Malapit na po ako sa bahay nila tapos nandun po kami papasok sa eskinita nahilo po s’ya kaya pinaupo ko po muna s’ya saglit. Hindi na po kami umabot kasi nahilo po s’ya inupo ko po sya dun,” the suspect said.

(We were nearing their house, we were entering the alley…she felt dizzy so I made her sit for a while. We didn’t get there because she was dizzy, so I let her sir first.)

He said a man arrived from the alley and took the grandmother to the hospital. The suspect said he regretted what happened and said he did not mean to kill her.

“Masakit po sa dibdib, sympre po hindi ko naman po sinasadya yung nangyari. Sobrang naging bangungot. Sana po patawarin ako ng pamilya n’ya,” he said.

(It’s painful. What happened was not intentional. It was a nightmare. I hope her family will forgive me.)

But his apology was not enough for the pain of the grieving family.

Posted below is the related news video of GMA Network.

Indeed, what happened in Marikina City was a tragedy and it took place at a time when the start of the declared ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on major roads of Metro Manila was nearing (April 15, 2024). That being said, e-bikes and e-trikes are very much in people’s minds and already there have been several cases of reckless driving, careless driving, close calls and accidents involving the said electric vehicles captured on video.

This tragedy in Marikina City reported nationwide by GMA News adds further challenges to e-bike and e-trike drivers/owners as it could spark public demand that each e-bike and e-trike should be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and that all the respective drivers should be required to secure licenses to drive (which means participating in seminars about traffic rules and then passing a test).

As for those private or civic groups that blatantly support the rights of e-bike/e-trike drivers, observe how they will react to the Marikina City tragedy. See how they will come up with excuses as they strive to gain the attention of the media to themselves.

A file photo of an electric tricycle (e-trike) traveling along Alabang-Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City. In relation to the tragedy in Marikina City, do you think it is high-time to compel all e-bike/e-trike drivers to be licensed to drive and have their respective vehicles registered under the Land Transportation Office (LTO)?

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is time to require all e-bike and e-trike units to be formally registered under the LTO, and the respective drivers should be required to be licensed to drive? Regarding the e-bike driver responsible for the death of the elderly woman in Marikina City, do you think his explanations make any sense at all? Are there many e-bike/e-trike-related accidents that happened in your city recently? Did you see any e-bike/e-trike using driving recklessly 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.

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Muntinlupa City Mayor asks City Council to pass ordinance to regulate electric tricycles (e-trikes)

March 5, 2024March 4, 2024carlocarrasco

In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon formally asked the City Council to pass an ordinance that would regulate the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) within the city, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. For the newcomers reading this, the Metro Manila Council (MMC) passed a resolution covering e-trikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) wants the said electric vehicles to be registered.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon asked the City Council to pass an ordinance regulating the use of e-trikes (electric tricycles) in the city, saying “the road is a dangerous place.”

During the flag-raising ceremony at the Muntinlupa City hall on March 4, Biazon said a local measure is needed following a resolution passed by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) that will ban e-trikes and e-bikes on 21 national roads in Metro Manila. A P2,500 fine will be imposed on violators.

Each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila will determine the roads in its jurisdiction that will be added to the ban.

Biazon said the MMC resolution does not include any road in Muntinlupa but the city has the National Road, which stretches from Barangay Tunasan to Sucat.

Only e-trikes will be under regulation in Muntinlupa.

“Talagang lumalaganap ang ownership ng e-trikes kasi mura nga naman, it’s a means of transportation. Madaling matutunan (The ownership of e-trikes is spreading because it’s really affordable, it’s a means of transportation. It’s easy to learn how to drive it),” said Biazon.

However, based on traffic accidents, he said, there is a growing number of incidents involving e-trikes.

Biazon said the use of e-trikes is “running out of control.” He noted that e-trikes are being driven by minors going to school.

“The road is a dangerous place. Kaya mayroong (That is why we have) road rules and regulations for safety of everyone,” he said.

Road accidents can hurt and kill people, he said.

“The road is a dangerous place which needs regulation,” said the mayor.

“How come ang e-trike, nakikisama dun sa kalsada, sumasabay, minsan nga nagwi-weave in and out pa sa traffic, sila pa nagagalit, bakit hindi nag-a-undergo ng the same kind of regulation? ) How come e-trikes, which join the road, going along, and sometimes they weave in and out of traffic, they are even the ones who get angry, don’t undergo the same kind of regulation? They also cause traffic, they also cause accidents,” said Biazon.

He added, “At the point, kasalanan ng gobyerno na hindi kaagad naregulate o pinabayaan pa na lumaganap ang paggamit. From the very beginning dapat kinontrol na yon kasi nga we are using the road. Yan po ang position ng Metro Manila Council. (At this point, it is the fault of the government for not immediately regulating or letting its use to spread. From the very beginning, it should have been controlled because we are using the road. That is the position of the Metro Manila Council).”

“My position is clear: We need to regulate,” said Biazon, adding that the LTO is being called upon by the MMC to come up with licensing requirements for e-trike and e-bike users.

Muntinlupa City Council Majority Floor Leader Raul Corro said they will hold a public hearing to discuss the details of the regulation in the city.

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 think that electric tricycles are so rampant locally they are made the flow of traffic slower and they became new traffic hazards? Did you see anyone drive an e-trike along the Alabang-Zapote Road or the national road leading to Muntinlupa City Hall? Are there minors in your local community who daringly drove an e-trike lately? Did you spot a reckless e-trike driver who committed violations such as violating the red traffic light, doing illegal counter-flow or illegally parking along a major road?

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

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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

LTO wants electric bikes and electric tricycles registered and their respective drivers must be licensed

March 4, 2024February 29, 2024carlocarrasco

In connection with the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) approval of a resolution affecting electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes), the Land Transportation Office (LTO) proposed to have all of the said vehicles to be registered and their respective drivers must be licensed to drive them, according to a GMA Network news report.

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

The Land Transportation Office wants light electric vehicles such as electric bikes and electric tricycles to be registered and their drivers to have licenses.

The proposal was presented by LTO chief Vigor Mendoza to stakeholders at a public consultation at the LTO office on Thursday.

In making his proposal, Mendoza cited Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code which requires all vehicles that use public roads maintained and funded by the government whether local or national to be registered.

During the consultation, 1-Rider Partylist Bonifacio Bosita asked Mendoza if the fee for light electric vehicles could be charged half the fee of regular motorcycle registration, to which Mendoza replied that the LTO is amenable to.

Aside from registration, Mendoza said drivers who will use light electric vehicles will be required to have a license.

The Electric Vehicles Association of the Philippines (EVAP) did not pose any objection to the proposal.

On Wednesday, the Metro Manila Council and the Metro Manila Development Authority approved a resolution banning light electric vehicles on national roads and imposing a fine of P2,500. For those drivers apprehended without a driver’s license, the vehicle will be impounded.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

For added insight about the violations caused by users of e-trikes and e-bikes, watch the YouTube videos below…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you agree with the LTO that e-bikes and e-trikes must be registered and their respective drivers should be required to have licenses? Are there many e-bike or e-trike users among your local community’s residents who are feeling uneasy about the new regulations and rules that will take effect soon? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike being driven by minors within your locality?

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

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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

Muntinlupa City Mayor comments on ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on national roads plus regulations approved by Metro Manila Council (MMC)

March 1, 2024February 28, 2024carlocarrasco

In the progressive City of Muntinlupa, Mayor Ruffy Biazon spoke about the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) approval of a resolution banning electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) on national roads within Metro Manila and regulating them, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

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

Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said it is about time to rationalize the use of e-vehicles (electric vehicles) in the country in light of an increase in road accidents.

On Feb. 28, the Metro Manila Council (MMC), to which Biazon belongs, passed a resolution banning e-trikes (electric tricycles) and e-bikes (electric bikes) on national roads in Metro Manila. A P2,500 fine will be imposed on violators.

E-trike and e-bike drivers will also be required to obtain a driver’s license.

In addition, each local government unit (LGU) in Metro Manila will determine the roads in its jurisdiction that will be added to the ban.

“It is about time we rationalize the use of these vehicles which are increasingly getting involved in accidents, cause traffic and endanger their users,” said Biazon.

Biazon, a former congressman, added that “many of those who operate these e-vehicles lack the basic knowledge in road use and driving skills.”

“It has even been observed that some are driven by minors who would not even qualify for a student driver’s permit,” he noted.

He explained that “driving motor vehicles on roads is only a privilege, that’s before anyone is allowed to drive a motor vehicle, a license is required after undergoing training and a test.”

“Since drivers of these e-vehicle are using the same road, they should also comply with requirements imposed on motor vehicle drivers,” he said.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

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, did you notice e-bikes or e-trikes traveling along the Alabang-Zapote Road or the old highway going to Muntinlupa City Hall lately? Did you notice e-trikes entering the parking areas of Alabang shopping malls and actually park? Are you concerned that the charging of e-bikes or e-trikes at home could spark a fire unexpectedly?

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

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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

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution banning e-trikes and e-bikes on major roads within the NCR, regulation of said vehicles will be implemented

February 29, 2024April 3, 2024carlocarrasco

Finally, the authorities in Metro Manila made a major move as the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved yesterday a resolution that specifically prohibits electric tricycles (e-trikes) and electric bikes (e-bikes) on major roads within the National Capital Region (NCR), according to a Manila Bulletin news report. That being said, the mentioned electric vehicles (e-vehicles) will finally be regulated by local authorities and their users will be required to be licensed to drive.

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

Mayors of Metro Manila agreed on Wednesday, Feb. 28, to ban e-scooters and e-trikes on major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid rampant traffic violations and accidents involving the small electric vehicles.

The decision was stipulated in a resolution of the Metro Manila Council (MMC), composed of all Metro Manila mayors, according to MMC Chairman and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora during a press briefing with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Don Artes.

“Why are we doing this? There were a lot of pictures and videos shown to us about accidents involving these e-trikes and e-bikes and their presence on national roads and even on expressways which show that they are not following traffic rules and regulations,” said Zamora.

“Ultimately, the objective is to regulate and impose fines for the safety of everybody especially that the number of these e-bikes and e-trikes are continuously increasing,” he added.

Artes said that while there are other local government units across the country that have already issued ordinances on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes, the missing part of these ordinances and regulations was that they do not have stipulated fines for violators.

As a matter of protocol, the implementation of the resolution will be done 15 days after its publication.

Initial list – Initially, both the MMDA and MMC identified 19 major roads in Metro Manila where e-bikes and e-trikes are banned.

They are Recto Avenue, Quirino Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Katipunan/CP Garcia, Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, South Luzon Expressway, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard/Aurora Boulevard, Quezon Avenue/Commonwealth Avenue, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Delpan/Marcos Highway/McArthur Highway, Elliptical Road, Mindanao Avenue and Marcos Highway.

Zamora, however, said that the number of roads where e-bikes and e-trikes are banned will increase in the coming days as all local government units (LGUs)( in Metro Manila were given authority to identify roads where e-bikes and e-trikes will not be allowed to travel.

Penalty – Artes said the MMC will be imposing P2,500 fine to all violators, or those who would dare to enter the prohibited roads.

He said the MMDA and enforcers of the LGUs are authorized to impose the fine on every e-bike and e-trike violator.

Artes said the same MMC resolution also authorizes traffic enforcers to impound e-bikes and e-trikes.

“If they enter the national roads we will impose a fine of P2,500. At the same time if the driver of these e-bikes and e-trikes have no driver’s license, then we will impound the vehicles,” said Artes.

Artes explained that the decision to impound the e-bikes and e-trikes was made since they could not issue a citation ticket for violation since the current regulation states that these vehicles do not need to be registered.

“Why do we have to impound them? With no registration and the driver has no driver’s license, who would receive the citation ticket?

Guidelines – Zamora, on the other hand, said they expect the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to release the guideline on Thursday, Feb. 29, on the use of e-bikes and e-trikes.

But this early, he said drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must have a driver’s license in order to ensure that they underwent the proper training and seminar on traffic rules and regulations, as well as road safety measures.

“We consulted with the LTO to ask if the LGU has the power, and they said that if the e-trikes and e-bikes are not registered and the drivers do not have a driver’s license, then these are already two violations,” said Zamora.

Artes, for his part, said they expect the LTO guideline to discuss and clear things up on registration and the driver’s license requirement for riders of e-bikes and e-trikes.

For my previous blog posts about e-bikes and e-trikes, click here, here, here, here, here, here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the regulation of electric vehicles (including e-bikes and e-trikes) and the ban on them on national roads will make vehicular travel safer for all? Do you think the declared penalty is too low? Are traffic enforcers in your city ready to implement the new rules that the Metro Manila Council approved? Do you think that there will be no more electric vehicles driven by minors once the new rules take effect?

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

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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

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