One of the motor taxi (habal-habal) groups in Tagbilaran City expressed optimism that the mode of public transportation will be legalized soon, noting that they had uniforms made as part of preparations.

President of the City Angkas Group (CAG), Armando Marivilla, said that the uniforms are meant to identify themselves as members of the haba-habal organization and to easily detect errant drivers.

“Ang importante malikay mi anang istrorya na budol-budol mao mag-uniform mi. Ika-duha, aron kining mga pasahero di mataha mo sakay,” he said.

The uniform features the group’s logo at the front and the member’s name and number at the back.

Once the motorcycle taxis become legal, the CAG intends to submit all of its members’ names to the police to easily detect drivers who have complaints against them.

Marivilla expressed optimism that other habal-habal groups will follow suit.

According Marivilla, his group has 40 members while there are more than 1,000 habal-habal drivers in Tagbilaran City.

These hundreds of drivers however are still awaiting the outcome of the passage of the Senate counterpart of House Bill 8959, which would allow motorcycles-for-hire or habal-habals to operate as alternative commuter vehicles.

The House of Representatives last month passed House Bill 8959 on third and final reading. Whether it reaches President Duterte for enactment, will be up to the Senate which adjourned starting February 9 until May 19.

The 17th Congress would still be able to pass the measure when it briefly resumes after the elections from May 20 to June 7. (A. Doydora)