TAGUM CITY — Allowing colorum operators and tricycles to do their business in this city is against the law.
Police Inspector Cosme Masepiquena, head of Tagum’s Traffic Management Office, made this clear to the assembly of more than 50 colorum operators and tricycle drivers on Monday at the Tagum City Police office.
“Strictly speaking it is against the law and I won’t allow that to happen as it is unfair to others who are legally operating,” says Masepiquena.
Legitimate tricycle operators and drivers have complained over the operations of colorum tricycle units.
“It’s unfair for us if they will not be stopped [referring to colorum tricycle drivers]. They should respect our franchise because we are the ones who are legal,” says Antonio Macario, a 35-year old, tricycle driver.
Tricycle operator, Ricardo Sandoval, 48, said colorum operators posed “threat to security of the riding public.”
Sandoval said “the local government must not allow them to operate for the safety of the people. We are against colorum and that’s very clear.”
Masepiquena assured colorum operators and tricycle drivers that they will be given priority to acquire a franchise to operate.
“I assure you that all of you will be prioritized. Just file a request and comply the law or if not we will apprehend you,” warns Masepiquena.
On Monday, the colorum tricycle operators and drivers have appealed to Masepiquena that they will be allowed to operate during wee hours but was later denied by Masepiquena, saying “there’s a great concern of the passengers’ safety involved on this that must be studied thoroughly.” (davaotoday.com)
