Commuters in Mandaue City are poised to benefit from more equitable and regulated fares for habal-habal, or motorcycle-for-hire services, following the City Council's approval of a new measure aimed at tackling persistent grievances over unpredictable pricing. The resolution, designated as 365-2026, was introduced by Councilor Jesus "Jun" Arcilla Jr. and received support from Association of Barangay Councils president and ex-officio Councilor Dante Borbajo.
Addressing Widespread Complaints
The initiative comes in response to a surge of complaints from commuters, particularly students and workers, who have faced inconsistent charges for similar travel distances. Reports have highlighted fares varying from P25 to P40 for trips covering approximately one kilometer, creating confusion and financial strain for regular users.
Empowering Barangays for Fair Pricing
Councilor Arcilla emphasized that the resolution is designed to establish order and fairness by empowering barangays to take a leading role in setting reasonable rates. Under this framework, barangay captains will organize meetings with habal-habal drivers within their jurisdictions to collaboratively develop a uniform fare structure.
"We crafted this resolution so barangay captains can determine fair fares and avoid confusion or conflict," Arcilla stated, cautioning that unregulated pricing could lead to exploitation, especially impacting students who rely on these services for daily commutes.
Balancing Costs and Commuter Protection
While acknowledging the challenges posed by rising fuel costs, Arcilla underscored the necessity of regulating fares to safeguard commuters' interests. Each of the 27 barangays will conduct consultations with driver groups to finalize a fare matrix based on mutually agreed rates, ensuring a balanced approach that considers both operational expenses and affordability.
Essential Service in Remote Areas
Habal-habal services remain a critical mode of transportation in interior areas such as Barangays Casili and Tawason, where access to conventional public transport is limited. This measure aims to enhance reliability and fairness in these communities, supporting daily mobility for residents.
Filling a National Policy Gap
The local resolution emerges against the backdrop of a pending national policy on motorcycle-for-hire fares. The proposed Motorcycles-for-Hire Act, which passed its third reading in the House of Representatives in July 2024, is still awaiting action in the Senate. Mandaue City officials hope that Resolution 365-2026 will bridge this gap by ensuring fair fares for commuters while providing just compensation for drivers, fostering a more structured and equitable transportation ecosystem.
