Misamis Oriental 1st District Representative Karen Artadi Lagbas filed the “Non-Conventional Motorcycles Reclassification Act” (House Bill 2133) to formally recognize three-wheelers in Philippine law, amend the 1964 Land Transportation Code, and protect their use as affordable transport and livelihood.
“Three-wheelers in the Philippines are recognized only by an LTO administrative order, not by law. We need to upgrade this into law so the legal status of non-conventional vehicles is recognized alongside classifications in the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and other road-safety laws, while the Civil Code continues to govern the obligations and liabilities of common carriers, and to give permanent recognition to non-conventional vehicles, especially three-wheeled vehicles,” Lagbas explained.
“Ginagamit na kasi ito sa transportasyon at komersyo, lalo na sa mga probinsya.”
“Inihain ko itong House Bill na ito para mabigyan ng malinaw na pagkilala ang mga tsuper, operator, at pasahero ng three-wheelers. Ginagamit na kasi ito sa transportasyon at komersyo, lalo na sa mga probinsya. Panahon na para kilalanin sila sa batas. Kailangang masaklaw sila ng mga umiiral na batas tulad ng RA 4136 at iba pang road-safety laws, samantalang ang Civil Code ang nagtatakda ng obligations at liabilities ng common carriers. Ang layunin natin ay maprotektahan ang mga pasahero, pati na rin ang mga driver at operator na kumikita sa maayos at ligtas na paraan,” the lady legislator explained.
The lawmaker emphasized that three-wheelers should be prioritized because they are already being used for public transport, delivery of goods, and mail.
“Even if they are for personal use, once they use public roads, they must follow traffic and safety laws.”
“Even if they are for personal use, once they use public roads, they must follow traffic and safety laws. At the same time, passengers and clients should have clear rights and protections,” she added.
“Sa ngayon kasi, kung maaksidente ang isang pasahero o kliyente ng three-wheeler, mahirap humanap ng legal na basehan para mapanagot ang operator o driver dahil wala pa itong malinaw na batas. Kapag naisabatas ito, magkakaroon na ng peace of mind ang ordinaryong tao na may habol sila sa korte, may tamang pamasahe o delivery rates, at may itinalagang ruta na ligtas at legal,” Lagbas explained.
“When this bill becomes law, it will not only protect passengers and clients but also give dignity and stability to thousands of Filipino drivers and small business operators who depend on three-wheelers for their daily income. Kaya pabor talaga ang Non-Conventional Motorcycles Reclassification Act (House Bill 2133) para sa pasahero, driver, operator, at maging sa mga tagapagpatupad ng batas,” she concluded.
