MANILA, Philippines—Pedicab and "kuliglig" (motorized pedicab) drivers in the city of Manila on Thursday expressed their opposition to Mayor Alfredo Lim's executive orders seeking to ban them from the city streets starting December 1.
The Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Pedicab at Kuliglig Drivers Manila (Alnapedku) held a press conference Thursday noon at Nepomuceno St., Quiapo to ask the city government to reconsider its decision.
"Kami po ay tutol sa E.O. 16 at 17 ni Lim na mag-aalis sa aming kabuhayan. Lalo ngayong kapaskuhan, hiling namin ang karapatan sa disenteng hanap-buhay ay bigyan pansin at huwag hayaang magutom ang aming pamilya," ("We are against Lim's E.O. 16 and 17 which would rob us of our livelihood. Especially for the Christmas season, we ask our right to a decent living be acknowledged, and that our families not be allowed to starve,") said Alnapedku spokesperson Fernando Picorro.
But Manila city hall chief-of-staff Ricardo de Guzman said there was little chance the orders would be revoked.
"We have already given them a chance before to change their business and to have them remove their motors," he said. He added they were even given a grace period to do so. The original implementation date of the executive orders was on September 15, which was extended to December 1.
Lim's E.O. 17 banned all pedicabs and tricycles from Ermita-Malate roads, along Taft Avenue from Lawton to Vito Cruz, Roxas Blvd., and all national roads in the city.
They are, however, allowed to operate on sidestreets and residential areas.
Those who violate the orders will be fined P500 and their vehicles impounded.
The city government has been receiving many complaints against the three-wheeled vehicles, largely blamed for worsening air pollution and traffic the city.
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