Davao City Councilor Urges Tricycle Operators to Comply with Registration Requirements
Davao City Councilor Dolce Apostol has issued a strong appeal to tricycle operators and drivers across the city to renew or apply for their necessary permits. This call to action comes in response to alarmingly low numbers of registered operators and drivers, which threatens the orderly management of public transport services.
Low Registration Numbers Highlight Widespread Non-Compliance
During a privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Monday, February 3, 2026, Apostol revealed concerning statistics from the Motorized Vehicle Franchising and Regulatory Division of the City Transport and Traffic Management Office. The data indicates that as of December 2025, only 991 tricycle operators in Davao City possess a valid Motorized Tricycle Operating Permit, with merely 1,062 tricycle units having proper Motorized Tricycle Registration.
"The MTOP summary reflects the city government's ongoing efforts to maintain an orderly, transparent, and responsive tricycle system," Apostol emphasized during his address. He later disclosed at the Pulong Pulong sa Davao Press Conference that approximately 5,000 unregistered tricycles are currently operating throughout the city without proper authorization.
Comprehensive Outreach Plan to Boost Compliance
To address this significant compliance gap, the Committee on Franchises and Public Utilities, which Apostol chairs, has developed a strategic plan in coordination with CTTMO. Over the next six months, officials will visit every Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in Davao City to personally encourage members to regularize their operations.
The councilor explained that this outreach initiative aims to remind tricycle operators and drivers about the importance of securing proper permits before operating their vehicles. CTTMO is currently processing approximately 5,000 MTOP applications submitted between November 2023 and December 2025. However, applicants must first obtain Motorized Tricycle Registration from CTTMO before they can apply for the operating permit.
Detailed Requirements for Permit Applications
The City Transport and Traffic Management Office has outlined specific documentation requirements for both new applicants and those seeking permit renewals:
For New MTOP and Franchise Applications:
- Proof of ownership including Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration
- Valid government-issued identification documents
- Barangay clearance certificate
- Valid driver's license
- Vehicle photographs and sketch diagrams
- Tax-related documents including BIR Form 1701
- Insurance coverage documentation
- Vehicle inspection report
- Official receipt from the City Treasurer's Office
For MTOP and Franchise Renewals:
- Updated vehicle registration documents
- Proof of income tax filing
- Current driver's license
- Garage location sketch
- Insurance coverage verification
- Vehicle inspection report
- Verified petition for renewal
Recent Regulatory Changes to Encourage Compliance
The Davao City Council has implemented several amendments to the Comprehensive Traffic Code designed to make compliance more accessible for operators. City Ordinance No. 0334-12, passed on February 18, 2025, extends the validity period of Motorized Tricycle Operating Permits from one year to two years.
This regulatory update introduces several important changes:
- Applicants must now secure barangay certification confirming access to private parking facilities
- Regulatory fee adjustments require supervision fees to be paid biennially by September 30
- Business permit fees must be settled by January 20 each applicable year
- Section 92 revisions allow operators to register up to five units under a single MTOP franchise
- Motorcycles with engine capacities of 100cc and above now qualify for MTOP franchises
These comprehensive measures represent Davao City's commitment to creating a regulated, efficient, and safe public transportation system while encouraging greater participation from tricycle operators in the formal registration process.
