Motorcabs-for-hire, commonly known as tricycles or pedicabs, are still allowed to operate even if the province of Negros Oriental is under enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (CoViD-19) pandemic.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office Provincial Director Col. Julian Entoma said the executive order of Gov. Roel Degamo did not specify that tricycles are included in the ban on mass public transport operation during the ECQ.
Degamo placed the Province under ECQ effective April 3 until April 18, through EO No. 2020-26, which stipulates, among other things, the ban on public transport.
“In Luzon, mass transport included in the ECQ ban are those given franchise by national agencies, especially by the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board), but the tricycle is not governed by the LTFRB,” Entoma said.
Local chief executives in the province have the option to allow these tricycles to operate, provided that the drivers observe social distancing, he said.
Social distancing in tricycles means only two passengers are allowed inside, one on the main seat, and the other on the extension seat facing the back. (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)