Public hearing draws tricycle drivers as Lopez reviews ordinance amid rising fuel costs

By Rowena T. Cruz Drivers raise concerns on fares and operations during a public hearing on the proposed tricycle ordinance in Lopez. (Lopez...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Drivers raise concerns on fares and operations during a public hearing on the proposed tricycle ordinance in Lopez. (Lopez LGU)

LOPEZ, Quezon - Nearly 200 tricycle drivers and operators attended a public hearing on April 16, 2026 to discuss the proposed Lopez Tricycle Regulation Ordinance. Committee on Transportation Chair Hon. Rembert A. Masaganda led the session, focusing on rules that reflect current conditions on the ground.

Drivers were given time to speak, raising concerns based on their daily experience on the road, including issues on fares, routes, and enforcement. They also asked questions about specific parts of the ordinance, helping clarify how the rules may be applied in actual operations.



Many of the concerns raised during the hearing were tied to the rising cost of fuel and its effect on daily income. Drivers said these pressures have made it harder to sustain operations under current fare and route arrangements.

The proposed ordinance comes as drivers face rising fuel prices that affect daily earnings and operating costs. It may help set clearer fare and operating rules that could impact both drivers’ income and what commuters pay.

In response to the concerns raised, Masaganda addressed the drivers during the hearing and stressed the need for practical rules. He said the ordinance should reflect real conditions faced by drivers and remain fair to both operators and commuters.

“Alam namin na mabigat na ang gastos sa gasolina, kaya kailangan din namin marinig mismo ang sitwasyon ng mga tsuper, hindi puwedeng gumawa lang ng patakaran na hindi naaayon sa nangyayari sa kalsada.” Masaganda said.

Masaganda also emphasized the importance of keeping both fairness and service quality in mind as discussions move forward. He pointed out that clear rules can help avoid confusion and improve compliance on the ground.

“Ang mahalaga dito, maging patas para sa tsuper at maayos pa rin ang serbisyo sa pasahero, kung malinaw ang mga alituntunin, mas madali itong sundin at ipatupad.” he added.

The discussion highlighted the need to balance fair earnings for drivers with safe and reliable service for commuters. It also underscored the role of clear and updated rules in keeping the town’s tricycle operations organized and responsive to current conditions.