CTTMO head Dionisio Abude clarified that, unlike motorcycles-for-hire (MTH), which adhere to licensing and registration rules, e-trikes do not meet these standards.
“There is still no local ordinance allowing e-trikes to accept passengers or ply national highways and major streets within the city,” Abude said in an interview.
He also mentioned that if e-trikes are allowed on city roads, they should be categorized as “unconventional” and must meet particular standards, such as having a closed cab, to guarantee passenger safety.
“Currently, they are used to carrying passengers without a closed cab, so almost everything is a violation,” Abude said.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police destroyed 296 modified mufflers (bora-bora) and 270 “lantakas” (improvised pipes made from tin cans) that were confiscated during a series of operations aimed at curbing noise pollution and ensuring public safety.
City Ordinance 0334-12, enacted on Aug. 7, 2012, prohibits the installation of modified mufflers on all vehicles.
Police Col. Mannan Muarip, acting city police director, noted that the ordinance strictly prohibits such modifications because of their harmful impact on community peace and order.
He said police are investigating the sources of illegal mufflers to dismantle the supply chain and prevent additional violations.
“Our operations will continue with barangay-level raids and checkpoints to intercept violators and cut off the supply chain,” Muarip said.
He appealed to motorcycle owners, particularly the youth, to voluntarily surrender their modified mufflers.
“You can turn them over to your barangay captains, and we will collect them there,” he said. (PNA)
