Solon seeks to regulate motorcycles for hire

With the election now over, Rep. Pedro Acharon Jr. (1st District, South Cotabato) wants to reintroduce in the 16th Congress House Bill 39--or the \"Motorcycles-For-Hire Act\"--which seeks to regulate the business operation of motorcycles for hire.

\"It is common knowledge that in many areas in the country, the only mode of transportation is the motorcycle-for-hire,\" said Rep. Acharon. \"Although commonly accepted as a means of public transport in many areas, motorcycles for hire are not registered. Thus, their business operations are illegal and are not covered by any kind of insurance.\"

According to the lawmaker, the proliferation of for-hire motorcycles as a means to transport passengers or goods is detrimental to the riding public since passengers cannot claim any benefit or reimbursement for medical expenses in case of accidents.

\"Regulating the business operation of motorcycles for hire will give operators the authority to register their motor vehicle as a mode of public transport and make them obliged to be governed by the law on common carriers,\" Acharon added.

If the act is passed into law, local government units shall receive, process and evaluate all applications for the grant of franchise to operate motorcycles for hire within their territorial jurisdiction. All applications that meet the requirements needed for the grant of a franchise are then endorsed to the Sangguniang Bayan or Sangguniang Panglungsod for the issuance of a franchise and a \"for hire\" license plate.

Violators who operate a motorcycle-for-hire business without a franchise will pay a maximum fine of P5,000 and have their vehicle impounded until it is registered.

Photo taken from Flickr.com

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