ILOILO City – Twenty unauthorized public utility vehicles — 16 e-tricycles and four tricycles — were impounded on the first day of the city government’s intensified campaign against unregistered and illegal tricycle operations.
The crackdown, led by the Iloilo City Traffic Management Office (ICTTMO) and the Public Safety and Order Management Office (POSMO), began in Barangay South Baluarte, Molo district following mounting complaints from residents about obstruction and harassment allegedly caused by illegal tricycles.
“We want to send a clear message that the city is serious about cracking down on illegal tricycles operating without the necessary permits,” said ICTTMO chief Uldarico Garbanzos. “This is not just about enforcing traffic rules—this is also about ensuring safety, fairness, and order on our roads.”
In addition to the 20 impounded units, 10 more vehicles were clamped for violations including illegal on-street parking and road obstruction.
These actions are part of the city’s broader enforcement of the Anti-Road Parking Ordinance and the Anti-Obstruction Ordinance.
According to the city’s Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) Ordinance, tricycles operating without an approved franchise from the Sangguniang Panlungsod and a valid Motorized Tricycle Operators Permit (MTOP) are subject to immediate impoundment.
City officials are urging unregistered tricycle and e-trike operators to comply with registration and franchise requirements to avoid penalties.
Authorities reiterated that full compliance is necessary for a safer, more efficient public transport system./PN
