Motorcycle Riders Seek Regulation of ‘Habal-Habals’

A group of motorcycle riders is calling on the government to recognize motorcycles for hire, which are popularly known as "habal-habals," as an alternative mode of transportation for commuters. The Riders of the Philippines (ROTP) is likewise urging for the review of various regulations being imposed by national and local government agencies--such as the no-helmet and half-face helmet ordinances, penalizing back-riding of males on motorcycles, and segregation of motorcycles on national roads, among others, as these discriminate motorcycle riders and limit their mobility. "We are pushing for equal treatment of motorcycle riders. There are over 14-15 million riders on the streets today based on sales reports from vehicle dealers and manufacturers but only a few are registered in the LTO (Land Transportation Office), there is a problem also in registration," ROTP Spokesperson Jobert Bolanos said in a press conference held in Quezon City last Thursday, May 24. "If all of these were registered or we ensure that LTO guidelines are being followed that all vehicles should be registered we might see the real figures. So we are having problems with getting plates and stickers aside from other concerns," he said. Bolanos likewise said that his group is re-educating their members on road discipline and following traffic rules to ensure the safety of their passengers. "We understand that most number of accidents are attributed to motorcycles, we do not deny that. There are many factors to consider and we cannot automatically assume that road accidents are the fault of riders," he added. The group is calling on Congress for the passage of a unified motorcycle law that will pave way for the legalization of motorcycle taxis. For its part, transport safety group Transport Watch said that one-third of Filipinos own motorcycles and around half of those who own these two-wheeled vehicles use them for livelihood. A recent survey by the Social Weather Stations showed that 32 percent of Filipino households own motorcycles while eight percent own three-wheeled vehicles. Only eight percent of households in the country own four-wheeled vehicles such as cars, sports utility vehicles, jeeps, jeepneys, trucks, etc. The survey likewise showed that among households that own motorcycles, 51 percent use them for livelihood such as for renting out, tricycles, business service vehicle, aside from going to work. "By class, the percentage of usage of motorcycles for livelihood is highest in socioeconomic class E, in which 59 percent in the class who own two-wheeled vehicles use them in earning a living. This is followed by class D with 50 percent while the lowest percentage is in the combined ABC class with 48 percent," according to Transport Watch member George Royeca. "All these figures point to one clear fact: that the motorcycle is indeed the mode of transportation that the Filipino masses use not only for personal reasons but also for their livelihood," he added. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has earlier said that motorcycles could not be used as public utility vehicles and are considered as "colorum" unless Congress comes up with a new legislation on "habal-habals."

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
    Isuzu PH aids Alaminos LGU in newest mangrove rehabilitation thrust
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025