The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged local chief executives (LCEs) to strictly prohibit tricycles, electronic-pedicabs and pedicabs from unlawfully traversing national roads and major thoroughfares, or run the risk of facing sanctions.

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2023-195 calls for the reinforcement of the prohibitions of tricycles, motorized pedicabs and pedicabs on national highways.

The DILG made the call as complaints of motorized pedicabs, tricycles and pedicabs illegally passing on national roads continued to mount, making it a major contributory factor to worsening traffic congestion, while putting public safety at great risk.

While recognizing the significance of tricycles, pedicabs and motorized pedicabs as affordable modes of transportation, the DILG stated that it was still receiving reports that these vehicles continue to operate on national highways with accidents involving them being another government concern.

In the said MC, the DILG pointed out that many local government units (LGUs) have failed to strictly enforce the policy and take appropriate actions in resolving the issue.

Consistent with this provision, the DILG reminded and ordered the LCEs all over the country to strictly implement the regulations of the policy as mandated with these policies among others.

Under the provision, the LCEs were asked to reorganize or reconvene their respective ‘Tricycle Task Force’’ to draft and update their Tricycle Route Plan (TRP) pursuant to Section III (D) 9b) of the DILG MC No. 2020-036.

The local government units (LGUs) were also directed to regularly coordinate with the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) team to ensure the identification, inclusion and provision of alternative routes to those who will be affected by the prohibition.

It also directed the LGUs to conduct consultation meetings with the association of the concerned parties including the barangay officials to get inputs on the alternative routes as provided by Section 2 (c ) of the Local Government Code of 1991.

In cases where there are no alternative routes available and as a last resort, the Sanggunians of the LGU may consider issuing an exception and are “highly encouraged to enact an ordinance providing a portion of the national highway(ideally the outermost lane) to be utilized as alternative routes, provided that strict enforcement of road safety and regulations is primarily observed.’’

Consistent with the review power, the provincial government, through the Sangguniang Panlunsod, shall ensure the thorough review of the ordinances enacted by the component cities and municipalities to complement the traffic schemes and regulations within the province.

The provision also called for the LGUs to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in enforcing the ordinances, especially in the apprehension of the violators.

“Non-compliance with this memorandum circular is tantamount to dereliction of duty and shall be dealt with in accordance to applicable and pertinent laws, rules and regulations,’’ the DILG noted.