Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. 黑料社 file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno ordered the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Friday to stop the operations of electronic tricycles in the city.

Moreno directed MTPB chief Dennis Viaje to inform e-tricycle drivers to temporarily stop their operations with the aim to ensure the safety of commuters.

“You are hereby directed to inform all e-trike for hire / public conveyance owners and operators to temporarily stop their operation pending the consultation with the Sangguniang Panglungsod, with emphasis of securing the well-being of the riding public by ensuring the road worthiness of these e-trikes,” Moreno told Viaje in a memorandum.

Moreno said these e-tricycles have not secured franchise from the Sangguniang Panglungsod, which regulates the operation of tricycles.

“Any e-trike for hire/public conveyance in the city streets of Manila without first securing the required franchise/license to operate from the Sangguniang Lungsod shall be apprehended/impounded,” Moreno said.

Since there is also question whether these e-tricycles are considered motor vehicles, Moreno pointed out the need for it to be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Moreno said LTO’s intervention is also needed to determine the “road worthiness” of these e-tricycles.

On Thursday, Moreno said around 300 e-tricycles would be affected. /jpv

READ: Isko Moreno wants e-trikes off Manila streets