MANILA, Philippines – Motorized pedicab (kuliglig) drivers in Manila Thursday staged a protest against Executive Order No. 16, issued by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, seeking to finally phase out the three-wheeled motorized pedicabs from city streets.
The Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Pedicab at Kuliglig Drivers Manila (ALNAPEDKU) put up a united front on Nepomuceno St., Quiapo as they pleaded with the city government to junk the law which they believe would rob them of their main source of income.
"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 remove our source of livelihood. Especially now that it's Christmas season, it is our right to request that a decent source of livelihood be paid due attention, and it is also our request not to let our families starve)," said Fernando Picorro, spokesperson of ALNAPEDKU.
Picorro disclosed that they would stage a strike in front of Manila City Hall on Nov. 15 to ask Manila to reconsider the orders.
However, Manila Chief of Staff and Media Bureau Chief Ric De Guzman said that there is no chance the laws would be altered or junked, since Lim would be standing firm on his Executive Order Nos. 16 and 17. "We have already given them a chance before to change their business, and to have them remove their motors," he said.
De Guzman explained that Lim has already given consideration by extending the ban until December 1. "Plus, the motors they are using to run the pedicabs are not registered with the Land Transportation Office," he reminded, noting that their gas emissions are in violation of the Clean Air Act. (With a report by Leonard Postrado.