TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
S. No.
)
SENATE
353
25 JULIO PI 56
RECEIVED BY.
Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF TRICYCLE DRIVERS AND 
OPERATORS, INSTITUTIONALIZING MECHANISMS FOR ITS 
IMPLEMENTATION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tricycle refers to a motor vehicle composed of a motorcycle fitted with a single­
wheel side car or a motorcycle with a two-wheel cab, which includes electric tricycle 
or e-trike, operated to render transport services to the general public.1 The use of 
tricycles as a mode of transportation in the Philippines dates back as early as 1946. 
As they are considered as the "vehicle of the masses" tricycle has been the basic mode 
of transportation of many Filipinos. In such capacity, it has become one of the basic 
sources of income of many of our kababayans in cities and even in the farthest 
barangay of the country.
In 2023, the number of registered motorcycles and tricycles were 
approximately 7.8 million. The number of registered motorcycles and tricycles in the 
country has shown positive growth since the slight decline in 2020.2
As our way of showing our appreciation to the role of tricycle drivers and 
operators in our communities, the proposed measure, to be known as the Tricycle
1 https;//www.dilg.gov.ph/PDF_File/issuances/memo_circulars/dilg-memocircular-2020110_b71e0b38b3.pdf
2 https://psa.gov.ph/system/files/psy/2023-Philippine-Statistical-Yearbook.pdf


Operator's and Drivers' Association (TODA) Act, seeks to guarantee the basic rights 
for the protection and safeguard of tricycle drivers and operators.
Additionally, this bill aims to have a more simplified registration system in the 
application and issuance of motorized tricycle operator permit (MTOP). In conjunction 
with this, a TODA one-stop-shop is mandated to be established in every local 
government unit in order to cater for all the transactions of tricycle drivers and 
operators.
The proposed measure also outlines the critical role of the LGU and other 
government agencies and financial institutions in support to the sector. This aligns 
with the mandate of the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlungsod to regulate 
the operation of tricycles within their respective territorial jurisdiction under the Local 
Government Code of 1991.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate adoption of this measure is earnestly
sought.
RONALD"BA
LA ROSA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S. No.
SENATE
353
25 JULIO PI 56
REC! L ^ ;
Introduced by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF TRICYCLE DRIVERS AND 
OPERATORS, INSTITUTIONALIZING MECHANISMS FOR ITS 
IMPLEMENTATION 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Tricycle Operators and
2 
Drivers' Association (TODA) Act".
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to uplift the
4 
life and promote the interest of the members of the tricycle sector by recognizing and
5 
protecting their rights and their contributions to the local economy. Towards this end,
6 
the State shall provide adequate social protection and mechanisms that will ensure
7 
the maximization of their potential and economic advancement.
8 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:
9 
a. Motorized Tricycle Operator Permit (MTOP) refers to the permit issued by the
10 
LGU concerned that authorizes the holder to operate a tricycle for public
11 
transport;
12 
b. Tricycle refers to a motorized vehicle which may be composed of a motorcycle
13 
fitted with a single-wheel sidecar or a motorcycle with a two-wheel rear cab;
14 
c. The Tricycle Sector refers to the sector consisting of drivers, operators, and
15 
owners of tricycles for public transportation; and


1 
d. Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA) refers to the organization
2 
of tricycle operators and 
drivers recognized by the 
city or municipal
3 
government.
4 
Sec. 4. Requirements for Operation of Tricycle. - Tricycles shall only be
5 
operated in accordance with the following requirements:
6 
a. Subject to the road worthiness guidelines and compliance with environmental
7 
laws prescribed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) thru the Land
8 
Transportation Office (LTO), the cities and municipalities shall continue to
9 
exercise the power to regulate the operation of tricycles and grant permits for
10 
the operation thereof within their territorial jurisdiction.
11 
b. For safety reasons, no tricycle shall operate on national highways where the
12 
maximum speed limit exceeds forty (40) kilometers per hour. However, the
13 
concerned Sanggunian may provide exceptions if there are no available public
14 
transportation services or modes servicing the route.
15 
c. Operators shall employ only drivers possessing professional licenses duly issued
16 
by the LTO. For this purpose, the LTO shall issue guidelines, including
17 
theoretical and practical examinations, appropriate for drivers of tricycles.
18 
d. The LTO is mandated to formulate and issue safety standards and the allowable
19 
designs and modifications, taking into consideration the needs of the vulnerable
20 
groups, and determine the limitations on passengers and weight capacity.
21 
e. Cities and Municipalities may adopt a color coding scheme for tricycle operating
22 
in their jurisdiction. They may assign an identification number assigned from
23 
the license plate number issued by the LTO.
24 
f. MTOP issued shall be valid for three (3) years, renewable for the same period.
25 
Change of ownership of unit or transfer of the MTOP shall be considered as an
26 
amendment to an MTOP and shall require approval of the local government
27 
unit (LGU) which issued the same.
28 
Cities and municipalities shall impose no other requirement or condition for
29 
tricycle operation except those provided in this Act.
30 
Sec. 5. Application for MTOP. - A simple systematic procedure shall be adopted
31 
for application and issuance of the MTOP in accordance with the conditions set forth
32 
In this Act. The application fee shall not exceed one thousand pesos (P1,000.00). The


1 
said fee shall cover the cost of the issuance of MTOP, filing fee, franchise fee,
2 
inspection fee, regulatory and other related fees. No other fees shall be collected from
3 
the applicant other than the fee mentioned in this Section.
4 
LGUs may adjust the fee prescribed herein once every five (5) years; Provided,
5 
that in no case shall the increase be more than 5% of the prevailing fee.
6 
Sec. 6. TODA One-Stop Shop Center. - Concerned LGUs shall establish a TODA
7 
One-Stop Shop Center which shall handle all transactions and processing of the
8 
business permit applications within their respective jurisdiction. The Center shall
9 
ensure that the processing of application for MTOP shall be acted upon within three
10 
(3) days from receipt of said application.
11 
Sec. 7. Rights of Members of the Tricycle Sector. - Members of the Tricycle
12 
Sector shall have and enjoy the following rights:
13 
a. Self-organization to collectively negotiate with government and other entities
14 
in the promotion of their welfare and advancement of their interests free from
15 
any political interference or favor;
16 
b. Informed participation in policy-making processes relevant to the concerns of
17 
their sector through their legitimate organizations;
18 
c. Safe working conditions and access to medical care services; Freedom from
19 
discrimination, violence, exploitation, or harassment.
20 
Sec. 8. Membership in Social Security System (SSS) and Philippine Health
21 
Insurance Corporation (PhHheaith). - The SSS and the Philhealth shall ensure the
22 
inclusion of the members of the tricycle sector to their respective corporation. They
23 
shall also ensure that members of the tricycle sector are informed of the benefits that
24 
they are entitled to as members of the SSS and Philhealth.
25 
Sec. 9. Pole of the Local Government Unit - LGUs shall have the following
26 
responsibilities:
27 
a. LGUs after consultation with the tricycle sector shall identify and designate
28 
viable routes and terminals within their jurisdiction. Terminals shall be in
29 
proximity to public buildings, public markets, commercial centers and other
30 
similar places.


1 
b. The Sangguniang concerned shall, within ninety (90) days after consultations
2 
with the stakeholders, designate the routes and terminals of tricycles as
3 
specified in this Act through an Ordinance.
4 
c. In coordination with the DOTr, LTO and stakeholders, LCDs shall implement a
5 
tricycle maintenance program. This program shall provide the tricycle sector
6 
within their jurisdiction, training and instruction on preventive and periodic
7 
maintenance.
8 
d. There shall be a mandatory Tricycle Drivers Safety Program by the concerned
9 
LCD with assistance from the LTO. The content and structure of the Tricycle
10 
Drivers Safety Program shall be formulated by the DOTr, LTO and other
11 
relevant government agencies. The LGus shall require all holders of MTOP
12 
within its jurisdiction to undergo said program.
13 
e. Vocational courses on auto-mechanics and related courses like engine repair
14 
and maintenance shall be offered to the tricycle sector. The Department of
15 
Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical Education and Skills
16 
Development Authority (TESDA) shall coordinate with LGUs to implement this
17 
Section.
18 
f. LGUs shall provide for additional and alternative livelihood and skills training
19 
programs for the tricycle sector. LGUs may, through ordinances or as condition
20 
of the Issuance of MTOP, additional acts of violation In relation to operation of
21 
tricycles and the penalties therefor within their respective jurisdiction.
22 
Sec. 10. Government Support to Tricycle Sector. - Concerned government
23 
agencies, government financial institutions and LGUs shall include plans, programs,
24 
projects and activities that are supportive of the concerns of the tricycle sector.
25 
LGUs shall create a grievance mechanism to address the concerns of the
26 
members of the tricycle sector.
27 
Sec. 11. Promotion of Energy Efficient Engines. -The DOTr and the Department
28 
of Science and Technology shall implement a continuing program to encourage
29 
manufacturers to develop environment-friendly and energy-efficient engines for the
30 
tricycle sector. The Department of Trade and Industry shall prescribe the standards
31 
and specifications for tricycle engines to be observed by the tricycle sector In
32 
accordance with Republic Act No. 8749, otherwise known as the Clean Air Act.


1
2 
Sec. 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -The DOTr and Department of
3 
Interior and Local Government (DILG) in consultation with Leagues of Cities and
4 
Municipalities and stakeholders shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
5 
for the effective implementation of this Act no later than ninety (90) days upon
6 
effectivity of this Act.
7 
Sec. 13. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
8 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provisions not affected thereby shall
9 
remain in force and effect.
10 
Sec. 14, Repeating Clause. -Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
11 
order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation Inconsistent with the provisions of this
12 
Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
13 
Sec. 15. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
14 
complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,