Metro Manila, Philippines – Electronic tricycles and e-bicycles, which are banned on main roads, will soon have to strictly follow the prohibition or risk impoundment, but the Transportation Department promised to launch an information drive first.
Senator Raffy Tulfo raised the issue of unregulated e-trikes and e-bikes during deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday, Nov. 27.
He said these vehicles have proliferated on main roads, picking up passengers despite lacking proper registration and licenses, to the detriment of registered traditional tricycles, in addition to safety concerns.
Senator JV Ejercito, defending the DOTr budget, acknowledged the problem.
”Tama po kayo medyo ano nakakatakot din po dahil magaan po sila. As of now bawal po sila dapat sa mga main thoroughfares so ang kailangan nila paigtingin yung enforcement,” Ejercito said.
[Translation: You are right, it’s somewhat scary because they are light. As of now, they should not be on main thoroughfares, so enforcement needs to be intensified.]
Relaying information from the DOTr and its attached Land Transportation Office (LTO), Ejercito said e-trikes and e-bikes are only allowed on smaller roads, such as those in a barangay or within subdivisions.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao initially committed to apprehend violators by December 1, but later said they will conduct an information drive first.
“According to LTO and DOTr, automatic impound na kasi po yung nakukwento niyo dilemma po talaga. Minsan hindi talaga sila lisensyado, minsan mga nanay-nanay pa ho ang nagdadrive, may mga kasamang mga anak, na delikado,” he said.
[Translation: According to the LTO and DOTr, impoundment would be automatic. The situation you’re describing is a real dilemma. Sometimes they aren’t licensed, and sometimes mothers are driving with children on board, which is dangerous.]
Tulfo said the public must be informed first.
“According to our secretary, by December 1, magiinfo drive muna sila, mag-iikot… bago sila manghuli [they will conduct an information drive first, going around to inform people, before apprehending anyone],” Ejercito said.
He added that the agencies will inform local government units about the plan starting Friday, while continuing with public consultations and studies on the registrability and safety of these vehicles.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority banned e-trikes and e-bikes from national roads beginning April last year, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordering a month-long grace period before penalizing anyone.
