This is for motorists who have been traveling along the highways without radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or with insufficient load. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently announced that it has officially postponed to October 1, 2024 the implementation of new tollway guidelines and fines, according to a BusinessWorld news report. The implementation was supposed to have happened on August 31.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) postponed the implementation of new tollway guidelines, which impose fines on motorists with no radio frequency identification (RFID) tags or insufficient funds on their accounts, to Oct. 1.
“We hope the concerned agencies and tollway operators would use the 30-day deferment to fine-tune expressway operations and further intensify the public information campaign to enable tollway users to comply with the new guidelines,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said in a statement on Tuesday.
The new rules, under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, were supposed to be enforced starting Aug. 31.
Under the rules, all motorists passing through expressways without RFID tags or having insufficient balance on their accounts will face penalties starting Aug. 31.
“These revised guidelines should significantly improve traffic along expressways through cashless or contactless toll plazas,” Mr. Bautista said.
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said motorists entering an access highway without RFID tags or electronic toll collection (ETC) device will incur a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for subsequent offenses.
Motorists exiting toll expressways with insufficient account balance will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second offense, and P2,500 for subsequent offenses.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been driving regularly on the highways without an RFID tag on your vehicle?
Recently in the city of Parañaque, a 49-year-old woman got hit by a car from behind resulting in very serious injuries, according to a GMA Network news report. The incident happened in Barangay Don Bosco and the suspect driver was described as a Pakistani national (click here and here). A video of the incident can be viewed by clicking here.
To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA news report. Some parts in boldface…
A 49-year-old woman was seriously injured in a hit-and-run incident while walking to work as a laundry woman in Don Bosco, Parañaque last week.
Victim Loida Faustino was seen in CCTV footage walking along Levitown Avenue last Friday morning, August 23, 2024, when she was hit by a red vehicle that fled the scene after the incident. She was immediately brought to a nearby hospital.
“Grabe po ‘yung nangyari sa kanya. Bali po ‘yung tuhod, kamay, katawan, ulo (What happened to her is severe. She had broken knees, hands, in the body, and in the head),” the victim’s brother Arnold Faustino said in a report by Nico Waje on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.
The family is seeking justice for what happened, and for the suspect — only identified as a Pakistani — to take responsibility.
“May anak ‘yun. Hindi makakapagtrabaho ‘yun. Hindi puwedeng hindi siya managot sa nangyari na ‘yun, (She has a child and she will not be able to work. The suspect has to take responsibility for what happened)” the victim’s brother-in-law Samuel Celzo said in the same report.
According to Barangay Don Bosco Chairman Mar Jimenez, the suspect was immediately apprehended after the incident.
“Upon apprehension, medyo meron siyang alcohol breath so lumalabas na (Upon apprehension, his breath smelled slightly of alcohol. So it shows that he was) under the influence of liquor,” he said.
However, the local police said medical examinations and a breathalyzer analysis gave negative results.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What do you think about this recent development? If you are a resident of Parañaque, would you know if anyone from your local community witnessed any hit-and-run incidents that happened over the past six months?
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
Welcome back readers, fellow geeks and electronic gaming fans!
In this edition of the Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) series, we will take a look at another batch of retro gaming print ads – including arcade flyers – from the 1980s and 1990s.
For the newcomers reading this, Retro Gaming Ads Blast (RGAB) looks back at the many print ads of games (console, arcade, computer and handheld) that were published in comic books, magazines, flyers and newspapers long before smartphones, social media, the worldwide web and streaming became popular. To put things in perspective, people back in the 1980s and 1990s were more trusting of print media for information and images about electronic games and related products.
With those details laid down, here is the newest batch of retro gaming print ads for you to see and enjoy…
1. X-COM: UFO Defense print ad
While there were no screenshots of the game for PlayStation, the art here was enough to catch your attention.
Back in 1994, X-COM: UFO Defense (original European title: UFO: Enemy Unknown) became an unexpected hit with PC gamers as it gathered lots of positive reviews from the critics and sold a lot on the PC DOS (disk operating system) format. In an obvious attempt to continue the commercial success, a port of the game was released for the PlayStation console in 1995. Publisher MicroProse and its marketing partners came up with this eye-catching print ad to promote the PlayStation version. While no screenshots were shown, the artwork used turned out to be effective in catching attention while emphasizing the sci-fi concept of the game.
2. Star Command print ad
Long before Starfield, there was Star Command.
Way back in 1988, I first saw my friends play the sci-fi role-playing game (sci-fi RPG) Star Command on the PC DOS format. A short time later, I played the game on our home computer and finished the single-player campaign. This print ad, which has lots of descriptive text, has a strong visual presentation that entices players to play the game and discover the vast amount of content (space travel, missions, battles, encounters with aliens) that the game developers prepared. For its time, the Star Command print ad was captivating to look at.
3. The Daedalus Encounter print ad
This print ad was an attempt to catch the attention of both gamers and people who want to watch live-action spectacle.
Released on PC, Macintosh and the 3DO game console in 1995, The Daedalus Encounter was a sci-fi video game that worked as an interactive movie (with puzzles) starring Tia Carrere. To promote the 3DO version, publisher Panasonic came up with an ad that emphasized the sci-fi concept and the cinematic experience (including a few stills of cutscenes) leaving little room about how the game plays. Take note that this game was released at a time when the CD-ROM format started gaining popularity as a reliable optic media format which opened opportunities for game companies to include full-motion videos.
4. Gradius Japanese arcade flyer
The original Gradius has always been fun to play and the enjoyment also made it on game consoles as more games were released.
Still on the realm of sci-fi, Konami launched their 2D side-scrolling shooter Gradius in the arcades in Japan in 1985. The arcade flyer here used a huge amount of space for the game’s official artwork which is very captivating to look at as it clearly emphasized the sci-fi concept. On the side are five screenshots that tell gamers what to expect when playing. The promotions paid off nicely for Konami as Gradius became an instant hit in Japanese arcades and eventually found strong commercial success in the arcades in Europe and America. By today’s standards, this game is a classic and the Gradius game franchise has produced several sequels and spin-offs released on multiple platforms.
5. Super Cobra print ad
This ad I saw while reading comic books long ago. The game itself was fun.
Here is a game I played on the Atari 2600 over forty years ago. Super Cobra was a 2D side-scrolling game in which players control an armed helicopter that has to move from left to right, attacking enemies, and avoiding enemy projectiles while maintaining the fuel supply. This ad, which appeared on some comic books I read, utilized the game art that was used on the box cover although the single screenshot displayed looks exaggerated when compared to what I saw and played.
6. Destruction Derby print ad
The Destruction Derby print ad that had no screenshots of the game.
In 1995, Sony launched the PlayStation console in America and in Europe. In Europe, publisher Psygnosis promoted their ambitious game Destruction Derby (a 3D polygonal racing game that emphasized vehicular damage) for both PlayStation and the PC that same year. As this Destruction Derby print ad did not show any screenshots, Psygnosis and their marketing team or partner decided to pounce on positive gaming media quotes and the sexy model to promote their game. Their marketing move paid off nicely as over a million copies of Destruction Derby were sold by August 1996.
7. Virtua Cop 2 print ad
A lot of people found this Virtua Cop 2 print ad looking very weird.
When Sega of Japan forced its American division to launch the Sega Saturn console in the United States in 1995 without any pre-release marketing, it resulted in a series of disappointments that include low sales, too few games launched and strained ties with their business partners. In 1996, Sega started to become more aggressive to sell more Saturn units and more 1st party exclusive games such as Virtua Cop 2 (for the Saturn) which itself was a big hit arcade hit. As the company clearly aimed to make the console version of Virtua Cop 2 a hit, they approved this print ad which had a very intriguing visual concept showing video game images reflected on the glasses on the police man. As Virtua Cop 2 required a light-gun peripheral to be played accurately like in the arcade, this print ad utilized very little space for the Sega Saturn Stunner.
8. Contra: Legacy of War print ad
The print ad of Contra: Legacy of War.
When I first heard that a brand new game of Contra would be released on the still-new PlayStation and Sega Saturn in the mid-1990s, I was excited as I always enjoyed the original game I played on the Family Computer. This print ad of Contra: Legacy of War brought my excitement way down as it showed that the game no longer utilized the 2D side-scrolling design and came up with a design that emphasized 3-dimensional environments and polygons. The change in design was too alienating for me as all the previous Contra games had the 2D side-scrolling format as the main designs (leaving little room for the occasional sprite-scaling 3D sequences in some games). I finally played Contra: Legacy of War on PlayStation on November 1996 and it was a huge letdown!
9. Out Run arcade flyers
Sega Out Run arcade machines in different forms.
This Out Run flyer really has nice art.
In the history of arcade games, Sega’s Out Run was a massive success not only in Japan but also in America and Europe. Designed by Yu Suzuki (Virtua Fighter, Shenmue), Out Run was a pseudo-3D driving game in which players get to drive a Ferrari Testarossa convertible (which is always visible to the player) from one scenic destination to the next avoiding traffic as much as possible. This was indeed a labor of love on the part of Yu Suzuki who himself spent time in Europe to gain inspiration on designing the game. As Out Run was a hit, Sega made different types of machines of the game that arcade operators can choose from depending on how much space their respective arcades have left and how the local players prefer to play it. It should be noted that in one of the flyers above, the original sound track was promoted as well.
10. Hook SNES version print ad
If you look closely at the SNES box front cover art, you will notice that Peter Pan and Captain Hook looking nothing like the actors who portrayed them in Steven Spielberg’s movie.
In late-1991, Steven Spielberg’s movie Hook was released in cinemas and revived public interest in the fairy tale of Peter Pan. Typical of the entertainment business of the time, video games based on the movie were released on different platforms in 1992 and among them was a version on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Apart from showing the game’s box, the print ad of Hook on SNES cleverly included positive quotes from GamePro, Game Players Nintendo Guide and the Super NES Buyer’s Guide to convince readers that the game is worth their time.
The City Government of Muntinlupa formally sets the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise by means of passing a local ordinance, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Tricycle drivers or operators who violate the ordinance will be fined P1,000.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
The Muntinlupa City government passed an ordinance setting the minimum fare for all tricycles with franchise.
Ordinance No. 2024-171 increased the minimum tricycle fare to P12 from P10 based on the request of the Muntinlupa Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, Inc. (FEDMUNTODAI).
The Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) of the city government is mandated to recommend fares and it recommended to the City Council to approve the increase.
“Kinikilala ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Muntinlupa ang tungkulin ng mga Traysikel bilang isa sa mga pangunahing pamamaraan ng pampublikong transportasyon (The Muntinlupa City government recognizes the duty of tricycles as one of the main means of public transportation),” according to the ordinance. The ordinance covers all tricycles with franchise.
Under the ordinance, all tricycles are mandated to give 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWD).
All tricycles in Muntinlupa are required to post a Uniform Fare Matrix (UFM) of each tricycle operators and drivers’ association (TODA) at their terminal and inside each tricycle to inform passengers.
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 always ride a tricycle to go around the city? Did you encounter any abusive tricycle driver lately?
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
It is finally happening with orderly travel and the safety of many others in mind. In relation to the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on the major roads of Metro Manila will take effect on April 15, 2024, and there will be deputized traffic enforcers to implement it, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…
Starting April 15, Metro Manila traffic enforcers will start apprehending e-bikes and e-trikes that will be caught travelling along major thoroughfares in the National Capital Region, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Monday, March 11.
At least 19 major thoroughfares were already identified by the MMDA as off-limits to e-bikes and e-trikes but local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila can still add more roads based on the ordinances that they would approve.
The initial MMDA list are 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.
These are the major thoroughfares that are under the jurisdiction of the MMDA.
MMDA chairman Don Artes said the April 15 date would be an ideal start of the enforcement as it would give them more time to conduct aggressive information dissemination drives, especially to e-bikes and e-trikes owners and users.
The enforcement against e-bikes and e-trikes is based on the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Resolution 2024-022 that was approved by all NCR mayors in a bid to regulate the e-vehicles amid mounting concerns on road safety.
“The IRR (implementing Rules and Regulations) of the MMC Resolution will be released before April 15, and before April 15 we want to have a minimum of 15 days before effectivity for information drive before we implement this,” said Artes.
He explained that the April 15 date is what was stipulated in the MMC Resolution as the start of the implementation.
The MMDA held on Monday a consultation with various stakeholders in connection with the MMC Resolution and it was during the dialogue that various considerations were raised by some stakeholders.
One of that considerations, according to Artes, is the classification of the e-bikes and e-trikes and the areas where they will still be allowed.
For instance, pedal-assist e-bikes will still be allowed on major thoroughfares provided that they stay on the designated bike lanes.
The MMC and the MMDA agreed to regulate e-bikes and e-trikes amid the rising cases of road accidents in the past few years.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think that all drivers of e-bikes and e-trikes must be required to have licenses in order to drive? Do you want to see all e-bikes and e-trikes get registered with the local authorities before they could be used on the roads? Did you see any e-bike or e-trike driver driving recklessly over the past two weeks?
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
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?
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
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 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?
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
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.
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?
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
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.
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?
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?
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
