• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is requesting authorities to investigate the alleged illegal operation of motorcycles-for-hire without the required franchise and business permit, including motorcycles (MC) taxis, in violation of the City’s Anti-Colorum Ordinance, and Anti-Riding-In-Tandem Ordinance, and to take proper legal action if warranted.
The resolution authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos is requesting the Philippine National Police (PNP), Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) to conduct the investigation.
The city of Bacolod is committed to maintaining order, safety, and regulation in all modes of public transportation within its jurisdiction, it said.
Reports have been received regarding the alleged illegal operation of motorcycles-for-hire within the city of Bacolod without the necessary franchise and business permit, the resolution said.
Such unauthorized operations are in clear violation of the city’s Anti-Colorum Ordinance which prohibits the operation of public utility vehicles without the proper authority, it said.
These activities may likewise contravene Ordinance No. 832, series of 2018, or the Anti-Riding-In-Tandem Ordinance, enacted to address safety concerns and prevent the use of motorcycles in criminal activities, the resolution said.
The continued operation of these illegal services undermines lawful operators, compromises public safety, and erodes regulatory enforcement, as well as result in the loss of revenue for the city government and weakens the enforcement of existing transport and safety regulations, it said.
There is a need for a thorough investigation to determine the extent of these alleged illegal operations and to ensure that appropriate enforcement actions are undertaken in accordance with existing laws and ordinances, the resolution added.*
