QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- In efforts to heed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call to tackle traffic issues in Metro Manila, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos convened a meeting on Thursday with officials from local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and approximately 200 barangay leaders.
Held in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City, the dialogue formed part of a series of consultations aiming to address traffic management and road safety concerns in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Discussions during the meeting covered various topics, including the proposed regulation of e-trikes and e-bikes, the implementation of barangay road clearing operations, and the enactment of street pay parking ordinances by LGUs.
Abalos said the outcomes of these consultations will be presented to President Marcos during the Regional Town Hall Meeting on Traffic Management scheduled for March 25.
"Our beloved President tasked us all to engage with grassroots communities and discuss solutions to the traffic and transportation problems we face today. We want to gather insights from different sectors," Abalos emphasized.
Abalos also mentioned meeting with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation to address various traffic concerns, particularly regarding e-vehicles in NCR.
He assured that a technical working group is examining these issues, with recommendations to be submitted to the President. In the meantime, the current status quo will be maintained to avoid confusion.
Regarding e-vehicle usage, Abalos stressed that vehicle registration and driver’s licenses are mandatory for anyone operating e-vehicles with speeds ranging from 26 to 50 kilometers per hour (kph).
He urged LGUs to educate their communities about these requirements, especially considering that minors sometimes operate e-vehicles.
Moreover, Abalos reminded LGUs of their obligation under Section 11 of Republic Act 11697, also known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law), which mandates the inclusion of green routes in their Local Public Transport Route Plans in line with the National Transport Policy.
"This is not just a directive from the DILG or MMDA; it is the law," Abalos emphasized.
The dialogue was attended by representatives from various LGU offices, selected barangays along Mabuhay Lanes, as well as officials from the Land Transportation Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, among others. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
