A new strong Bohol alliance of habal-habal (motorcycle for hire) drivers and operators supports the bill of Rep. Edgar Chatto legalizing operation which has provided them livelihood, fed their families and sustained education of their children.
A resolution of the Habal-habal Association of True Operators and Drivers in Bohol (HATOD Bohol) endorsing House Bill 3726 will be transmitted to the Senate for its parallel urgent positive action on the measure.
The leaders of different habal-habal groups in Tagbilaran City and municipalities across the province assembled in a consultative forum at JJ's Seafod Village here on Friday, forming HATOD Bohol as the umbrella organization.
The alliance expressed hope that in solidly supporting the habal-habal bill and being united in their cause their two-wheel transport industry can finally get legal basis.
The consultative assembly was attended by Chatto himself, Yvonne Campoamor who is the assistant of Land Transportation Office (LTO) – Tagbilaran Registrar Joel Maloloy-on and Board Member Alfonso Damalerio II, chairman of the committee on public utilities of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
The Bohol congressman said the bill is now in the committee of Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III after it passed on the third and final reading in the House of Representatives.
HB 3726, also known as An Act Devolving the Regulatory and Franchising Powers Over the Operation of Motorcycles-For-Hire or Habal-Habal to Cities and Municipalities, Amending For the Purpose Sections 447 and 458 of Republic Act No. 7160, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Local Government Code of 1991, is also principally co-authored by Reps. Garcia and Durano of Cebu and Codilla of Leyte.
The bill empowers local government units (LGU) to grant habal-habal operation franchise with necessary "for-hire" plate to be issued by LTO, Chatto said.
There is no national law yet legalizing the operation of existing motorcycles-for-hire, except for their being merely registered by certain LGUs where they are based or operating.
The Chatto measure further provides that for purposes of passenger safety, the habal-habal owner shall, upon registration, which can only have legal basis once the bill is enacted into law, procure the necessary insurance for third party liability.
Revenue-wise, the bill helps the LGUs to earn more income from habal-habal franchise, registration and other fees.