LCSP questions LTO e-bike, e-trike ban, cites impact on commuters

The Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP) on Sunday warned that the proposed ban on e-bikes and e-trikes would significantly affect ordinary Filipinos, raising concerns that the policy is being pushed more for revenue generation than public safety.

LCSP head and founder Atty. Ariel Inton questioned the intent behind the enforcement measures being rolled out by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

"Kaligtasan lang ba o may mas malalim pang dahilan? Ayon sa LTO ang istriktong panghuhuli at pag impound ng mga e trikes at e bikes sa mga piling lansangan ay " for road safety considerations" and not for " business or revenue purposes". Ayon sa ahensya malaki ang " speedy discrepancy ng mga e trikes at four wheel vehicles kayat sa mga major roads ay mas malaki posibilidad ng aksidente at abala sa usad ng trapiko. Idagdag pa dito na ang mga drivers nito ay walang lisensya o rehistro," Inton told the Daily Tribune.

While acknowledging safety and legal concerns, Inton said the government must also recognize the economic realities faced by commuters.

"Sa kabilang panig naman ay may mga na dapat ikonsidera. Maraming masang Filipino na gumagamit ng mga sasakyang ito para makatipid sa pasahe at maging maluwag ang kanilang pagbiyahe dahil sa hirap ng pagsakay sa public transport," he said.

He added that the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law) and the LTO’s actions should be supported by clear and consistent regulations.

"The ban will not reduce road crashes and traffic," Inton said.

"Mahalaga maibalanse ang mga issues sa paggamit ng mga e trikes at e bikes. Hindi puede puro bawal, multa at huli lang," he emphasized.

Inton also cited the experience of motorcycle taxi operators, noting that despite initial opposition, the sector was eventually regulated and integrated into the public transport system.

"Noon ay bawal ang mga ride hailing app, dahil mga colorum daw ito. Pero ngayon ay regulated na at libo-libo ang mga tumatangkilik dito at nagkahanap- buhay sa mga TNVS. Hindi safety lamang ang issue sa usaping ito.Buhay ng masang pilipino ang apektado dito.Pero bakit kapag masa ang gumagamit at may pakinabang sa kanilang pamumuhay ay laging may reklamo sa paggamit nila?," Inton said.