THE ZAMBOANGA City government has formed a task force to plan the implementation of a nationwide directive banning tricycles from national roads. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who will he heading the task force, assured tricycle drivers that they will consider “minimal displacement” and impact on livelihood. “We ensure that there will be compliance but with minimal displacement on the livelihood of our tricycle drivers,” Ms. Salazar said in a press briefing Monday. “We have to follow the law,” she added. The ban was ordered by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) as part of the ongoing campaign to clear roads and public spaces. Under DILG Memorandum 2020-036, “Local governments must review and modify tricycle routes according to the ban and are encouraged to include in their plans the construction of local roads or overpasses where the tricycles can operate.” The mayor said an initial discussion with tricycle drivers was already held and they will now have to agree on the timeline for the ban’s implementation. Local governments are required to present a route plan, map for the location of tricycle terminals, and other related activities such as installation of signages and information campaign. The DILG memo is in line with Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and other earlier directives prohibiting tricycles and pedicabs from plying national roads.

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