CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has confirmed that drivers of habal-habal (modified motorcycle taxi), tricycle drivers, and even kutseros (coachmen or drivers of kalesas or horse-drawn carriages) will be included in the city’s transport aid program, stressing fairness and inclusivity.
“Posibilidad niani nga ang tanang ga drivers, aside from PUVs…tricycle, habal-habal and all others maapil ‘ni nato. Mao na’y direction sa atong syudad kon naa man gani ta’y ihatag nga ginagmay…nga aid padong nila,” he said.
He clarified that assistance may come in cash or rice, depending on available resources, and emphasized that beneficiaries must be Cebu City residents. ”It could be cash, or bugas,” he added.
Mayor Archival explained that the city’s direction is to ensure all drivers are covered, not just public utility vehicle (PUV) operators.
On the issue of fairness, Archival pointed out that habal-habal drivers should not be excluded. “On habal-habal, kon tagaan man gud nimo ni’ng drivers (PUVs), muingon sad ‘ni sila’g kami diay wa diay mi’y labot? So that’s why, ang ako, nag pro-active na lang ta,” he explained.
He also stressed that kutseros and other informal drivers should be included, provided they are all city residents. “Ang mga drivers, like my kutsero, apil nato ni sila. But make sure lagi nga naa ni sila taga syudad. Ang ato lang makatabang ‘ta nila,” he said.
The city government is also submitting a list of licensed tricycle drivers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for a separate subsidy program.
The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program has already begun distributing ₱5,000 cash aid to tricycle drivers in Metro Manila, with payouts ongoing at 30 designated sites.
Around 139,000 tricycle drivers in NCR are targeted, recognizing them as “in crisis” due to surging fuel prices linked to Middle East tensions.
₱3.5B fuel subsidy for PUV drivers
Separately, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has confirmed a ₱3.5-billion fuel subsidy program for PUV drivers nationwide.
Operators are required to submit lists of drivers under their franchises to regional offices to facilitate distribution.
Mayor Archival has scheduled a transport leaders’ meeting at 11 a.m. today (March 24) at the 9th Floor of the Cebu City Hall. Each transport group is asked to send one representative.
The agenda includes updates on aid distribution, subsidy mechanisms, and long-term plans for a more inclusive transport system.
Coordinate with drivers for fair fare
The Mandaue City Council has urged all 27 barangay captains to coordinate with drivers of motorcycles-for-hire (commonly known as habal-habal), operating within their respective barangays to discuss and promote fair and reasonable fare rates amid rising gasoline prices.
Councilor Jesus Arcilla Jr., chair of the Council’s committee on energy, told the media yesterday, March 23, that commuters, particularly students and workers, have approached his office to seek clarification on the issue, citing high fares and varying rates imposed by habal-habal drivers.
“Ni-coordinate ta sa tanang barangays sa Mandaue kay daghan kaayong niabot nga reklamo…ato’ng pletehan karon sa habal-habal kay naglain-lain sila’g presyo,” said Arcilla following the approval of his resolution.
Arcilla said that for a one-kilometer ride, fare rates across Mandaue City vary significantly, with some drivers charging ₱25, while others ask for ₱30, ₱35, or even ₱40.
“Mao ‘to nagbuhat ‘ta og resolution para sa mga barangay captains na ila lang i-apply sa mga barangay nila, sila la’y magpatawag sa mga presidente sa habal-habal,” said Arcilla.
He said convening motorcycle-for-hire leaders would help determine a uniform fare rate that could be agreed upon across barangays.
“Para dili bitaw magkagubot, kay kung ato ning pasagdaan magkagubot gyud kay ang uban magpataka lang og pangayo og plete,” the councilor emphasized.
Arcilla added that it would be up to the habal-habal presidents to come up with a just and uniform rate based on agreements reached at the barangay level.
The councilor stressed the importance of maintaining uniform fare rates, noting that once an agreement is reached, it should be consistently followed.
Arcilla explained that some drivers arbitrarily increase fares, which he said results in unfair conditions for commuters. “Luoy kaayo labi na mga estudyante nato. Luoy kaayo sa tanan,” he said.
Arcilla said the Council understands why drivers feel compelled to increase fares due to rising fuel prices, but stressed the need to clarify and regulate the issue to ensure that no sector in the city is disadvantaged. “Makasabot man sad gyud ‘ta tungod kay taas man sad kaayo ang presyo sa gasolina,” said the councilor.
To address the issue, Arcilla reiterated that convening the drivers and barangay leaders would be the best way to reach a fair and mutually acceptable agreement on fare rates.
Fuel prices remain a key factor affecting transport fares, prompting national attention on measures aimed at easing the burden on commuters and transport operators.
Senator Bam Aquino said yesterday, March 23, the suspension of fuel excise taxes should translate into actual price reductions at gasoline stations, noting the importance of government oversight to ensure oil companies pass on the benefits to motorists and the transport sector.
The measure allows the President to temporarily suspend or reduce excise taxes when global oil prices reach a specified level.
Lawmakers said the move is expected to provide short-term relief to commuters, workers, and small businesses, as higher fuel costs often lead to increased transport fares and prices of basic goods.
| Written by Caecent No-ot Magsumbol & Kristin de Dios/RAE
