By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on first reading a proposed ordinance granting barangay franchises or certificates to operate for trisikads and electric bicycle (e-bike) operators as a prerequisite to the issuance of a business permit by the city.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, SP committee on transportation chairperson, said barangays are “in the best position to regulate the issuance of barangay franchises or certificates to operate” within their respective territorial jurisdiction.
Ramos said the absence of a uniform policy governing the grant of barangay franchises and the emergence of e-bikes has resulted in varying standards and procedures among barangays.
“Requiring a valid barangay franchise or certificate to operate as a prerequisite to the issuance of a city business permit will strengthen coordination between the city government and the barangays, improve regulatory oversight, and prevent the unauthorized operation of pedicabs and e-bikes,” he added.
Section 2 of the proposed ordinance stated that the barangays are strictly mandated to comply with the mandatory requirement of a public hearing to be attended by the stakeholders such as commuters, tricycle and public utility jeepney drivers and operators, and the purok officials.
Ramos said the SP shall evaluate the barangay ordinance to ensure that the proposed number of franchises, authorized routes, designated terminals, and other conditions are consistent with existing laws and city ordinances.
The ordinance stated that no barangay franchise will authorize operations outside the territorial boundaries of the issuing barangay unless a joint resolution attached to the ordinance has been executed between concerned barangays and ratified by the SP.
He added that no pedicabs or e-bikes shall be allowed to ply on any national highway of the city at any given time and day.
Section 6 of the proposed ordinance also stated that the business permits and licensing office shall not issue any business permit authorizing the operation of pedicabs or e-bikes unless the applicant first presents a valid barangay franchise or certificate to operate issued pursuant to this ordinance.
Ramos disclosed that the Bacolod Traffic and Transportation Management Department, upon payment of a reasonable fee, is authorized to produce, design and issue a public utility identification plate for every pedicab or e-bike duly authorized to operate as for hire which shall be placed at the rear or front portion of the unit for proper identification./MAP, WDJ