• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance creating the Anti-Colorum Task Force for Motorized Tricycles Operating in the City of Bacolod, was passed by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod on first reading Wednesday.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos said the growing urbanization and continued growth and development of Bacolod City has brought forth complex problems like escalating population, among others, and with it the dearth of transportation options that will cater to the increased number of commuting public. This leads to the proliferation of illegal transport facilities like tricycles.
While many transportation vehicles ply the major routes of the city, peripheral and inner roads are mostly served by tricycles and this means of transport play a vital role in serving the public. However, many illegal or colorum tricycle units thrive due to the need to serve the growing commuters and if not checked in due time will create more problems like overall safety, overcrowding, and unlawful and excess tricycle units that should be necessary, it said.
To show the seriousness of the city government in enforcing the law to all regardless of classes for the general welfare of its people, an Anti-Colorum Task Force for Motorized Tricycles operating in the city is proposed to be created, defining its composition, powers, functions and providing funds therefor, the ordinance said.
The ordinance to be known as the “Anti-Colorum Task Force for Motorized Tricycles Ordinance of Bacolod City,” provides that the task force will be under the supervision of the City Mayor through the City Legal Office and Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD), and will be headed by City Legal Officer as chairperson.
Any operator or driver found operating a colorum motorized tricycle will be penalized as follows: for first offense – a fine of P2,000 and impoundment of unit for three days; second offense – a fine of P5,000 and impoundment of unit for seven days; and for third offense – a fine of P10,000 and revocation of permit or disqualification from securing a franchise for two years.
The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this ordinance will be included in the annual budget of the city government under the appropriate office.*
