Common sense is pretty rare these days.
“After being hit with enraged reactions, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has backtracked on his February 4 order banning motorcycles, scooters and bicycles from the roads, streets, and bridle paths within the country’s summer capital,” reports Aldwin Quitasol on InterAksyon.com.
The report noted: “Domogan clarified, though, that the ban is not new but is an ordinance that has been in existence since the late 1940s and said it was not his intention to deprive bikers of mobility and enjoyment.”
The local law being referred to is Ordinance No. 66 series of 1948, which imposed the ban within the city limits except for specified areas. It was amended by Ordinance No. 329 series of 1960, Ordinance No. 418 series of 1965, and Ordinance No. 423 series of 1965, but all these still retained the prohibition on the two- and three-wheeled vehicles.
In any case, members of the Cordillera Motorcycle Riders Association attended the Feb 15 session of the city council to seek its help to rescind Domogan’s Feb 4 memorandum. They pointed out that the ban has “forced them to travel long distances to reach their destinations, costing them more in time and fuel.”
The group also met with Domogan, who said he is willing to consider the riders’ request. He “asked them to submit their proposals, which he would use as a basis for a request to the city council to amend the existing ordinance.”
Meanwhile, Domogan agreed to allow motorcycles, scooters and bicycles back on all thoroughfares except Session Road. However, he stated that Ordinance No. 28 series of 2012 banning tricycles will remain enforced.
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