Davao City Councilor Conrado “Conde” Baluran said the extension of the Motorized Transport Operator’s Permit (MTOP) fee validity to two years will hopefully encourage more operators and owners to obtain franchises.
This, as the 20th Davao City Council approved on the third and final reading the amendment to City Ordinance No. 0334-12, or the Comprehensive Traffic Code of Davao City, on Tuesday.
Baluran welcomed the passage of the amendment, saying it is beneficial to the operators.
“Dako kaayong kalipay sa mga nanag-iya og MTH or Motorized Vehicle for Hire, ug kadtong naa’y MTOP kadtong naay franchise na instead of paying annually, sa duha ka tuig na. Ang saving nila mahimo nang 50 percent (This should bring great joy to owners of MTH or Motorized Vehicle for Hire, and those who have MTOP or franchise, instead of paying annually, their payment will become good for two years now. They will save 50 percent),” he said.
Baluran said that the main purpose of the measure is to encourage more owners and operators to register.
“Ang ato gyud na main purpose nga ato ning gibuhat kay out of 24,000 motorcycles for hire running in the city, muabot na siya’g almost 25,000, only 7,000 ang naa’y numbers ginatawag og motorcycle for hire, 800 lang ang naay prangkisa we are hoping that maybe at least ma-encourage. (The main purpose of the [amendment] is because out of 24,000 motorcycles for hire running in the city, running to almost 25,000—only 7,000 have numbers or what is commonly known as motorcycles for hire, and only 800 have franchises. We are hoping that maybe, at least they will be encouraged),” he said.
Baluran said that those driving vehicles without franchises leave passengers unprotected from unforeseen accidents.
“Kung magbyahe sila hadlok kung naay mahitabo, wala’y protection ang driver and wala pu’y protection ang pasahero. Atong gi-ampo and atong gi-look forward nga mu-avail sila aning gi-offer nato (If they meet accidents, the driver and the passenger have no protection [if they have no franchise]. We pray and hope that they will avail of this offer),” he added
Baluran said with the passage of the amendments, the next step towards its implementation is the signing by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Baste Duterte.
For concerns with MTOP, owners and operators may visit the Motorized Vehicle Franchise and Regulatory Division of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office. CIO
