Mayor backs LTO e-trike ban

Cainta, Rizal Mayor Keith Nieto has expressed full support for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) policy banning electric tricycles (e-trikes) from major roads, which took effect Friday, Jan. 2.

Nieto stressed the importance of discipline and compliance with what he described as a “national directive,” warning that selective implementation could lead to confusion and disunity.

The mayor said failure to adhere to policies issued by national authorities is among the main reasons progress remains slow and divisions persist in the country.

“We don't digress when it comes to the policies at the top. Because that's actually one way of uniting our people and going through just one direction,” Nieto told members of the PaMaMariSan-Rizal Press Corps during a press conference at Red Keep Cafe in Filinvest East, Barangay San Isidro, Cainta.

Nieto emphasized that regardless of political affiliation, local governments and citizens have a responsibility to follow the timelines set by the national government.

While some local government units have sought consideration or exemptions due to road conditions in their areas, Nieto said no such concerns exist in Cainta.

He added that asking for special treatment even before the policy has been fully tested only complicates implementation.

The mayor also noted that excessive “democracy” in thinking and action can sometimes lead to a lack of respect for authority.

Nieto urged the public and fellow officials to give the policy a trial period of one to two months to assess its effectiveness.

“If LTO says that is the way to do it, then they are the ones who are mandated. We will all follow. That’s the easiest way to govern,” he said.

Authorities are expected to maintain strict monitoring of Cainta’s roads to ensure compliance with the LTO order banning e-trikes from restricted routes.