BY IME SORNITO and MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Tricycle and pedicab drivers are expressing support for the proposal to allow them to travel along national highways once again.
Earlier this year, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed local government officials to strictly enforce a ban on tricycles and pedicabs using national highways to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and road users due to frequent accidents involving three-wheeled vehicles.
However, there is now a proposal from the DILG to lift this restriction and allow tricycles and pedicabs back on national highways.
Harold Glomalid, a resident of Barangay Sooc, Arevalo district and a tricycle driver for almost 30 years, welcomed this move. He operates a route covering Dungon-Sambag, Calubihan in Jaro district, and Barangay Airport in Mandurriao district.
“It would be great if we were allowed to cross national highways, especially since some passengers need to cross these highways to reach their destinations,” said Glomalid in Hiligaynon.
Although tricycles are currently allowed on highways to a limited extent, Glomalid said he avoids crossing them due to the DILG’s directive and the presence of law enforcers like the Philippine National Police (PNP) and traffic enforcers.
“Sometimes, we avoid crossing because there are officers on duty. Passengers understand when we explain the situation,” he added.
Glomalid also understands the national government’s concern over the high number of accidents involving tricycles and pedicabs on highways.
His livelihood as a tricycle driver has allowed him to send his three children to school, one of whom has graduated as a teacher from the University of Iloilo.
Glomalid now earns about P500 per day, a decrease from the P1,000 per day he used to earn, citing increased competition and the availability of alternative transportation like taxis and jeepneys.
Jerson Castante, 36, a resident of Barangay Dungon A, Jaro district, echoed Glomalid’s sentiments. A tricycle driver for six years, he operates between Jaro and Mandurriao districts.
“It would be better if we were allowed to pass through the highways so we wouldn’t have to worry about being caught,” said Castante, noting that the current ban creates anxiety among drivers.
He believes that allowing tricycles on highways would likely increase their income, particularly during rush hours when passengers are in high demand.
Castante currently earns around P500 daily, which he uses to support his three children, one in high school and two in elementary school.
For pedicab driver Lamberto Escala, 53, from Barangay Sinikway, La Paz district, the proposal brings much joy. Plying the La Paz National High School route, he is thankful for the opportunity to operate along the highways again.
He insisted that he feels safe while driving on the highways as long as he stays on the side of the road and uses hand signals when turning.
Escala, who has been driving a pedicab for five years, earns between P300 and P400 per day, which helps support his family of seven children, two of whom have graduated from high school.
“It’s a small income but it helps us buy water, charcoal, and other needs for the family,” Escala added, noting that he has no other employment options since he did not complete college.
Another pedicab driver, 67-year-old Dioniso Asidsid from Barangay Sinikway, La Paz district, is also pleased with the proposal. He said being allowed to use highways will allow them to serve more passengers, adding that he feels safe driving on the highways because he drives carefully.
“We’re happy to be back on the highways because that’s where many passengers wait. We’re not afraid as we drive cautiously and take care of our passengers,” Asidsid said.
He earns between P150 and P300 daily from his pedicab operations.
Tisoy Lemery, 35, from Barangay Zamora, City Proper, expressed similar sentiments, stating that the proposal would benefit tricycle and pedicab drivers by increasing their income, which they can use to support household expenses.
Lemery has been driving since 2016 and earns between P500 and P700 per day.
Third Amoroso, 35, a resident of Barangay De la Rama, City Proper, also supports the proposed changes, stating that allowing tricycles and pedicabs on national roads would help them pick up more passengers. He earns between P400 and P800 per day as a pedicab driver./PN
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PHOTOS BY AJ PALCULLO
