YOUTH UNITY STATEMENT
#DunggaMgaDrayber: The Butuanon Youth stands with the call of the Drivers to junk EO 005
If there’s one thing that’s been made absolutely clear by the group of tricycle drivers we got the chance to talk to, it’s that they are strongly against the implementation of EO 005 s. 2021, and even went as far as to say they want it junked completely.
In response to the executive order of Butuan City’s Mayor that intends to ban the mobility of routeless tricycles that were once allowed to travel to almost every nook in the city except the National highway, drivers took it upon themselves to collectively voice their distaste through a silent strike, still with a certain degree of reservation and respect to the city government.
In case Butuan’s LGU has forgotten, there are still a considerable number of countries, the Philippines included, that have not recovered from the effects that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it. In fact, Butuan City itself still has existing COVID cases which makes the railroading of this executive order even more damning, knowing that more people will lose access to their only means of livelihood, which is the last thing they and their families need.
When asked where they first heard the news regarding the executive order, most of the drivers referred to the Facebook post made by Butuan City PIO dated Feb. 24, 2021, while a few said they heard about it on the radio. With hesitation, it was also revealed to us how accredited operators were disheartened to know that not even at least one of them were informed beforehand. This would imply that no communication and ample grace period, whatsoever, was initiated by the LGU [to at least prepare the drivers for the lightning that’s about to strike them] which is a duty stated in the DILG Memorandum Circular 2020–036 the supposed Tricycle Task Force should have performed as prerequisite. The memorandum also stated that a member from a Transport group should comprise the task force which is another guideline that was not met. But more than the provisions of the memorandum not met that caused the disapproval of the drivers, it’s simply just the whole order itself that is enough of being appalled over.
It also would be quite ironic that the LGU still accepted Tricycle registrations earlier this year, only to abruptly implement such measures that now obstruct the drivers their [former] right to conduct public service anywhere in the city except the national highway. This act bludgeons drivers into submission and defeat, knowing that a new system is not what they need especially in the middle of a pandemic.
It should also be worth noting how other neighboring LGUs have heeded to their drivers’ calls and stood up for their rights. Masbate LGU for example has crafted an ordinance adopting the Order but tweaking it that it’s contextualized to the city’s needs and mentioned in the Memorandum if no alternative routes can be provided. This was after a public hearing was conducted by their government officials with around 800 tricycle drivers. This just goes to show that Butuan City’s LGU should also be able to exercise their autonomy and localize the Memorandum. Had they also been able to communicate with the sectors most affected by this implementation, they would be able to come up with a more sound compromise that also spares the local drivers ample time. While everyone is aware that this is mandated by the national government, national conformity should not be done at the expense of the local operators’ lives.
Amidst the uproar, Atty. Cisco Franz Maclang, Head TTF Secretariat, came forward in an interview on February 27, 2021, and reassured everyone that the livelihood of the drivers would not be affected if we implement this measure. This pseudo-heartening statement reeks of classism and privilege, knowing that even when the old routes were followed during the lockdown, income was stunted due to the scarcity of commuters and the strict safety protocols employed. This EO not only burdens the drivers but the commuters, too, as they are now forced to commute more than once if they are to travel someplace not covered by one route.
As the youth sector with no private means of transportation and are heavily reliant on the pro-people services these tricycle drivers provide, it’s imperative that we ask why this is given priority during a time that should place focus on the pandemic, the health sector, the education sector, and on measures that should help its people slowly gain what was lost. Most importantly, we ask everyone to question the point of all this. Who gets to benefit from such a short-notice implementation of a law that entails drastic changes? Because it’s certainly not the drivers, their families that are dependent on this honorable job, the commuters that can’t afford private vehicles and it’s most definitely not the poor either.
To reiterate what the tricycle drivers said, the law may be harsh and uncaring of the lived experiences of the lives it will disrupt, its implementers, however, are not, for they are people who feel, thus, we implore our government officials to go over the drivers’ sentiments with compassion, just as how the drivers, who will be stripped off of their only means of living, are trying their best to understand its government officials. The drivers are looking and/or formulating ways to continue to provide their service in any possible way and they are hoping that the city officials will listen to these pleas and deem it important. For now, as concerned youth sector and commuting citizen, we are one with the call of the drivers: #IbasuraEO005! #DunggaMgaDrayber
About the Authors
Arvie Gail Escasinas (Left), Aries Espina (Center), Dave Badanoy (Right)
Arvie is a 3rd year college student of MSU-IIT and is currently STAND-IIT’s Chairperson.
Aries is a 2nd year college student of MSU-IIT and is currently STAND-IIT’s vice-Chairperson.
Dave is a second year History student of UPV. He was one of the Outstanding Butuanon Student Awardee of the year 2019.
