The City Council of Davao passed on third reading and final reading an ordinance amending Ordinance No. 0334-12, otherwise known as “The Comprehensive Traffic Code Of Davao City” during the 7th regular session on Tuesday.
The amendment aims to extend the validity of the Motorized Transport Operator’s Permit fees to two years.
The Motorized Transport Operator’s Permit (MTOP) or franchise, given by the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) is the additional permit for passenger tricycles to be operated in specialized zones in the city.
The council approved on the MTOP a fee of P1,999 for two years from the usual annual franchise fee of P1,620.
In his privilege speech during the previous session, Councilor Conrado Baluran, chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Communications, explained that revisiting traffic code is vital in order to adapt and be more apt to the recent needs in our transportation demands, thus this includes the intention to make the lives of those involved in transport sectors more sustainable specially the tricycle transport sector.
Baluran cited the clamor and woes of the tricycle operators and drivers specifically on payment of their application of new and renewal of their Motorized Tricycle For Hire Permit (MTH) and MTOP.
Among the amendments introduced as a legislative remedy is lowering those fees or extending its validity to 2 years so everyone can avail and doesn’t find it burdensome.
“By then, there will be also an increase in the revenue of the city since everyone is encourage now to apply, renew or register their unit in the CTTMO-MVRFD to legalize their operation,” Baluran said.
To make this plausible, it is also suggested that the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) in coordination with the City Treasurer’s Office to put-up strategic satellite payment offices in Toril, Calinan, Tugbok, Mintal, Bunawan, Buhangin, and Agdao district considering that vast number of tricycles operating in the city are coming from these areas so that payment of regulatory fees will be made easier and accessible for all.
