By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Liga ng mga Barangay (Liga) president of Bacolod City criticized and accused the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) of politicizing their apprehensions of colorum tricycles in Barangay Tangub, Bacolod City yesterday, for lack of coordination in the barangay.
Barangay Tangub Captain Noli Villarosa, said BTAO head, Police Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, should have coordinated with him first before they conducted the operation.
“They must inform the barangay first, or me, being one of the members of the city council,” Villarosa said.
He added BTAO should also conduct meetings with the drivers before apprehending colorum tricycles.
Villarosa confirmed 100 tricycle drivers in his barangay are plying without franchise. He claims the drivers’ association is still seeking approval of the city council for their franchise requirement.
The Liga boss also claims he is fine with colorum drivers being apprehended, but he wants them to be informed first.
“What if their tricycles are impounded?” Villarosa asked. “Others will possibly become thieves for lack of livelihood.”
Villarosa also accused Acebuche of going after tricycle operators who are supporters of former Bacolod City Mayor Monico Puentevella, while those for Mayor Evelio Leonardia are let off with only a warning.
In response, Acebuche reasoned, if they coordinate with Villarosa, how can they apprehend the colorums?
“We don’t have to coordinate with him because we are implementing the city ordinance, and the barangay cannot supercede an ordinance,” he explained./WDJ