Boracay tricycle drivers oppose phase out plan
Boracay Island -- Some 500 tricycle drivers here fear that they might lose their livelihood after the Land Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) pushed for the phase out of tricycles as primary mode of transportation in Boracay Island.
LTFRB reportedly wants tricycles and motorcycles replaced by multicabs as the mode of transportation in the island.
To further strengthen the move of the LTFRB, the Sangguniang Bayan of Malay town approved a resolution requesting the LTFRB regional office through Regional Director Porferio Clavel to grant provisional approval of multi-cab fare rate for Boracay Island.
The resolution was approved on March 9, 2006.
Clavel in an interview argued that driving a tricycle is not the only livelihood that the locals can do. He added that the phase out would be done in gradual basis.
Tricycles with unexpired franchises would be the last to be affected.
LTFRB will also refrain from renewing the franchise of tricycles that are already expired. The non-renewal of franchise is an initial step of the LTFRB in their plan to phase out the tricycles. However, the municipal government of Malay still allows the tricycles to operate.
Clavel lamented that there are tricycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV) operating in the island without necessary permits. The owners of the ATVs enter the Cagban port without paying taxes.
He added, the foreigners are even using the ATVs for their business without paying the necessary taxes to the government.
On the other hand, tricycle drivers in the island assailed LTFRB's plan.
The drivers will be greatly affected if the LTFRB's plan will push through, said Ronald Dalisay.
Their group, the Boracay Land Transport Motorcycle Association, headed by Eliseo Casidsid oppose the planned phase out of tricycles.