MANILA — The municipality of San Mateo in Rizal has started the strict implementation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum banning tricycle and e-trikes along national highways.

DILG Secretary Benjur Abalos earlier reminded LGUs to strictly enforce the order to protect motorists and pedestrians.
 
San Mateo municipal administrator Henry Desiderio told ABS-CBN News that they started apprehending violators on Monday, February 5.
 
Desiderio said on Day 1 of stricter implementation of the DILG memorandum circular No. 2023-195, they have already apprehended 49 motorists.
 
Of these number, 29 were tricycle drivers while the rest are e-trike and e-bike riders.
 
According to Desiderio, first offenders were just given "reminders" as to where they are allowed to ply, but they were also warned that they could be penalized if they continue to violate the memo.
 
“Medyo naging maluwag kami kahapon, maraming kadahilanan… Ngayon lang nila nalaman so we let it passed,” Desiderio explained.
 
For the first and second offense, Desiderio said violators will face a P2,500 fine and on the third offense, the tricycle driver/violator will face revocation of his franchise.
 
Meanwhile, e-trike and e-bike violators will have to pay P2,500 for every violation.
 
Desiderio admitted the implementation of this memorandum circular has been long overdue.
 
Based on data, San Mateo LGU recorded an increase in vehicular accidents involving e-trikes, e-bikes and tricycles in the past 2 years.
 
“In 2022 and 2023 there was a significant rise of vehicular accidents involving e-bikes, e-trikes, and tricycles. There was a 60 percent increase from 131 accidents involving tricycles, e-bikes, e-trikes noong 2022 naging 208 - tumaas, that’s about 60 percent,” according to Desiderio.

But Desiderio also clarified that aside from safety issue, this memorandum circular is not intended to just ban them from major thoroughfares.
 
“It’s not totally banning them from plying General Luna, but there will be cross roads, maaaring umikot sila nang malayo-layo but they will be able to reach their destination safely and efficiently,” he explained.
 
On Tuesday, DILG reiterated its memorandum to all LGUs to strictly enforce regulations prohibiting tricycles and pedicabs and motorized pedicabs from plying along national highways.