''wliUTi' Oi
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL15 P3-.19
SENATE
S.B. No. 653
rhce:v:d c"
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR TRICYCLE DRIVERS AND 
OPERATORS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Tricycles are an essential component of the Philippine transportation industry, 
deeply integrated into the daily lives of commuters. This humble motorcycle with a 
sidecar, capable of carrying at least three (3) passengers, provides an accessible and 
affordable mobility solution, particularly for "last-mile" journeys or short distances 
within communities nationwide. With over 6.9 million total registered units as of recent 
Land Transportation Office (LTO) data, tricycles, motorcycles, and other non- 
conventional motorcycles significantly outnumber other types of motor vehicles all over 
the country. This underscores their vital role in connecting Filipinos to essential 
services, markets, workplaces, and other daily activities, enabling widespread 
convenience.
Despite this critical function, the sector and its operators often grapple with 
regulatory complexities and vulnerable working conditions. This measure directly 
addresses these challenges by advancing and protecting the rights of tricycle sector 
players and strengthening the role of local government units (LGUs). This measure 
seeks to promote the total well-being of the tricycle sector players. It achieves this 
through the simplified registration and issuance of Motorized Tricycle Operators Permits 
(MTOPs), as well as dedicated motorist awareness and safety programs to educate and 
raise awareness to motorists on road safety.
sought.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Ci t. ' :
25 JUL15 P3:19
S.B. No
SENATE
6o3
i"
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA FOR TRICYCLE DRIVERS 
AND OPERATORS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta for Tricycle
2 
Drivers and Operators."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the welfare
4 
of the members of the tricycle sector and protect their rights by formulating policies,
5 
providing assistance, and initiating programs that encourage their socio-economic
6 
advancement.
7 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - Pursuant to this Act, the following terms shall
8 
mean:
9 
a. 
Coiorum- k private vehicle operated as public utility without the benefit
10 
of a valid and existing special permit, provisional authority, or franchise;
11 
b. 
Motorist Awareness and Safety Program - A program intended to educate
12 
and raise awareness to motorists on road safety;
13 
c. 
Motorized Tricycle Operators Permit (MTOP) - The permit that authorizes
14 
the holder to operate a tricycle for public transport;
15 
d. 
Sanggunian - The Sangguniang Panlungsod or the Sangguniang Bayan,
16 
as the case may be;


1
2 
e. Tricycle- k motor vehicle composed of a motorcycle fitted with a single-
3 
wheel sidecar, or a motorcycle with a two-wheel rear cab, the former having a total of
4 
three wheels and the latter having a total of four wheels, otherwise known as the
5 
motorela;
6 
f. 
Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA)- An organization of
7 
tricycle operators and drivers recognized by a local government unit (LGU); and
8 
g. 
Tricycle Sector- A group consisting of drivers and operators of tricycles
9 
for public transportation in the Philippines.
10 
Sec. 4. Regulation of Operation. - Cities and municipalities shall regulate the
11 
operation of tricycles and grant permits for their operations within their respective
12 
territorial jurisdiction, subject to the guidelines prescribed by the Department of
13 
Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land
14 
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
15 
Sec. 5. Issuance of MTOP and Creation of the Tricycle Operation Plan. - Prior
16 
to the issuance of an MTOP, LGUs shall develop and submit a Tricycle Operation Plan
17 
(Plan). The Plan shall include, among others, the designated tricycle routes and zones,
18 
designation of tricycle terminals, the maximum number of tricycles authorized to
19 
operate within their jurisdiction, and the maximum number of allowed passengers
20 
and/or goods per tricycle. The Plan shall be subject to the approval of the DOTr and
21 
must comply with all relevant guidelines promulgated therefor, with the end goal of
22 
ensuring efficiency, integration, and safety of the local transportation system.
23 
Sec. 6. Registration and Issuance of MTOP. -To streamline the process and
24 
reduce financial burden on tricycle operators, a simplified procedure of registration and
25 
issuance of the MTOP shall be implemented by LGUs. The total registration fee for an
26 
application for an MTOP shall not exceed One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00). The fee
27 
shall cover the cost of the issuance of the MTOP, filing fee, franchise fee, inspection
28 
fee, fare adjustment fee, amendment fee, regulatory fee, and all other similar fees. No


1 
other fees or charges shall be exacted from the tricycle sector's business activities or
2 
enterprise, other than the aforementioned registration fee.
3 
Sec. 7. Registration and Compliance Validation. - Prior to the issuance of any
4 
MTOP, the concerned LGU shall be responsible for ensuring and verifying that the
5 
tricycle unit is duly registered with the LTO. Furthermore, it shall also validate that the
6 
tricycle unit is fully compliant with roadworthiness standards and applicable
7 
environmental regulations.
8 
Sec. 8. Operational Guidelines. - The LGU having territorial jurisdiction over the
9 
city or municipality where the tricycle is registered shall ensure that the following
10 
guidelines are observed and implemented:
11 
a. 
For safety reasons, no tricycle shall be permitted to operate on national
12 
highways utilized by four (4)-wheel vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than
13 
four (4) tons and where normal speed exceed forty (40) kilometers per hour. However,
14 
the concerned LGU may, upon prior approval by the DOTr, provide exceptions to this
15 
prohibition if there are no viable alternative transportation services or modes servicing
16 
the said route, either along the highway or crossing the same, other than tricycles.
17 
Provided, however, that when such operation is allowed, the LGU is mandated to install
18 
and maintain appropriate signages, designate clear lane markings, and other safety
19 
features to guide and protect the tricycles utilizing these highways;
20 
b. 
Zones must be within the boundaries of the respective municipality or
21 
city. However, existing zones that traverse the territorial jurisdiction of more than one
22 
(1) municipality or city shall be maintained. Provided that, operators serving these
23 
zones shall be required to secure separate MTOPs from each of the municipalities
24 
and/or cities having jurisdiction over the areas covered by the zone;
25 
c. 
A color-coded scheme operating within the same zone may be imposed.
26 
Each tricycle unit shall be assigned and shall visibly bear an identification number, aside
27 
from its LTO license plate number;


1 
d. 
An operator wishing to terminate or suspend its service shall report such
2 
termination or suspension in writing to the Sanggunian which originally granted the
3 
MTOP, prior to the cessation of operations;
4 
e. 
An MTOP shall be valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of its
5 
issuance, and shall be renewable for the same period thereafter. Any transfer to
6 
another zone, change of ownership of unit, or transfer of the MTOP shall be construed
7 
as an amendment to the existing MTOP and shall require the appropriate approval of
8 
the Sanggunian;
9 
f. 
Operators shall only employ drivers who possess valid professional
10 
driver's license duly issued by the LTO. For this purpose, the LTO shall issue guidelines,
11 
including theoretical and practical examinations, appropriate for drivers of tricycles;
12 
g. 
No tricycle-for-hire shall be allowed to carry more passengers and/or
13 
goods than its designed capacity; and
14 
h. 
A tricycle-for-hire shall be allowed to operate in a manner similar to a taxi
15 
service, where, aside from rendering services from designated terminals, the tricycle
16 
may be flagged down or engaged by passengers on the road within its authorized zone
17 
of operation.
18 
Sec. 9. One-Stop Shop Center for the Tricycle Sector. - All LCDs shall establish
19 
a One-Stop Shop Center (Center) dedicated to the tricycle sector within their respective
20 
territorial jurisdiction. This Center shall serve as the sole facility for handling all
21 
transactions and processing of MTOP applications. The Center shall ensure that the
22 
processing of an MTOP shall commence on the day of their application, and the permit
23 
shall be released within two (2) working days upon the submission of the complete
24 
requirements by the applicant.
25 
Sec. 10. Rights and Benefits of Members of the Tricycle Sector. - Members of
26 
the tricycle sector shall have the following rights:
27 
a. Self-organization to collectively negotiate with government and other
28 
entities in the promotion of their welfare and advancement of their interests, free from
29 
any political interference or favor;
4


1 
b. 
Informed participation in decision-making processes relevant to their
2 
concerns through their legitimate organizations. Towards this end, they shall be
3 
represented in all public hearings for laws, ordinances, or regulations that directly affect
4 
their sector;
5 
c. 
Safe working conditions, with access to medical care services and
6 
appropriate insurance coverage;
7 
d. 
Freedom from any form of discrimination, violence, exploitation, or
8 
harassment;
9 
e. 
Freedom from deprivation of property without valid cause and due
10 
process of law;
11 
f. 
Equal access to information on how to safeguard their rights in
12 
accordance with the law;
13 
g. 
Access to programs, trainings, and vocational courses aimed at improving
14 
their skills and promoting road safety and awareness; and
15 
h. 
Safeguard from hazardous work, activity, or undertaking, or from
16 
exposure to hazardous working conditions.
17 
Sec. 11. Role of the LGUs. - LGUs shall have the following responsibilities:
18 
a. 
LGUs shall engage in continuous dialogues with the tricycle sector to
19 
identify and designate viable routes and terminals within their jurisdiction. Terminals
20 
shall be conveniently located in proximity to public buildings, public markets,
21 
commercial centers, and other similar public places;
22 
b. 
The Sangguniang concerned shall, within ninety (90) days after
23 
consultations with the stakeholders, designate the routes and terminals of tricycles as
24 
specified in this Act through an Ordinance;
25 
c. 
Adjustments on tricycle routes and terminals may be made. Provided that,
26 
recommendations from the tricycle drivers and operators shall be prioritized;
27 
d. 
In partnership with DOTr, LTO and LTFRB, programs on road safety and
28 
awareness for tricycle drivers and operators shall be conducted. LGUs shall require all
29 
holders of an MTOP within its jurisdiction to undergo said program. Further, LGUs shall


1 
partner with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Technical
2 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to offer vocational courses, such
3 
as auto-mechanics, engine repair, and maintenance, to members of the tricycle sector;
4 
and
5 
e. LGUs shall provide alternative livelihood and skills-training programs for
6 
the tricycle sector to provide more economic opportunities.
7 
Sec. 12. Government Support to Tricycle Sector. - All concerned government
8 
agencies, offices, and institutions shall include plans, programs, projects, and activities
9 
that will support the concerns and welfare of tricycle drivers and operators.
10 
Sec. 13. Grievance Committee. - LGUs shall establish a committee to act as a
11 
grievance mechanism to promptly and fairly address the concerns raised by the
12 
members of the tricycle sector.
13 
Sec. 14. Phase-in of More Efficient Engines. - Within thirty (30) days after the
14 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the DOTr
15 
shall formulate and implement a program promoting the adoption of more efficient
16 
engines and cleaner technologies for use by the tricycle sector.
17 
Sec. 15. Mandatory Membership in the Social Security System (SSS) and the
18 
Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhHHeaith). - The SSS and the PhilHealth
19 
shall, within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate guidelines and
20 
mechanisms for the collection of premiums from members of the tricycle sector.
21 
Tricycle drivers shall, in addition to SSS and PhilHealth coverage, be provided
22 
with accident insurance coverage to compensate for damages or injuries acquired
23 
during the course of their work, such as death, disability, limb amputations, loss of
24 
sight, hearing, and speech, including the loss of thumb or an index finger.
25 
Tricycle drivers are also entitled to legal assistance in the exercise and pursuit
26 
of their rights herein granted.
27 
Sec. 16. Appropriation. - An initial appropriation of One Billion Pesos (Php
28 
1,000,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated for this Act. Thereafter, the amount needed


1 
for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
2 
Appropriations Act.
3 
Sec. 17. Penalties. -
4 
a. 
A driver who operates a tricycle without the necessary MTOP, operates
5 
on national highways without valid authorization as required in Sec. 8(a) hereof, incurs
6 
delinquency in the payment of prescribed fees that is tantamount to an incomplete
7 
application for an MTOP, transports passengers and/or goods beyond the authorized
8 
limitations on the number of passengers and/or load capacity, operates a tricycle not
9 
compliant with environmental laws, including Republic Act No. 8479, otherwise known
10 
as the "Clean Air Act", or fails to observe guidelines prescribed for the adoption of
11 
cleaner technologies, shall be punished by a fine not less than Five Hundred Pesos (Php
12 
500.00) but not more than Two Thousand Pesos (Php 2,000.00), or the impoundment
13 
of the tricycle by an enforcement agency for a period of two (2) months.
14 
b. An operator who operates a tricycle without the necessary MTOP, or
15 
operates on national highways without the valid authorization as required in Sec. 8(a)
16 
hereof, employs a driver without the requisite professional license to drive a tricycle,
17 
including those below the age of majority, or allows a driver to operate a tricycle that
18 
is not roadworthy or has unauthorized modification affecting vehicle safety, shall be
19 
punished by a fine not less than Five Hundred Pesos (Php 500.00) but not more than
20 
Two Thousand Pesos (PhP 2,000.00), or the impoundment of the tricycle by an
21 
enforcement agency for a period of two (2) months. The second and succeeding
22 
offenses shall warrant the revocation of the MTOP or franchise and the perpetual
23 
disqualification from being issued the said privilege.
24 
c. 
Any person who shall willfully interfere with, restrain, or coerce any
25 
member of the tricycle sector in the exercise of rights, or shall, in any manner, act in
26 
violation of Sec. 10 of this Act, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less
27 
than Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) but not more than Five Hundred Thousand
28 
Pesos (Php 500,000.00), or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both, at the
29 
discretion of the court.


1 
d. A public officer or employee who acts in violation of Secs. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
2 
and 9 hereof shall, in addition to administrative and criminal liability under existing
3 
laws, be penalized with one (1) month to six (6) months suspension from office, at the
4 
discretion of the court.
5 
Sec. 18. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within ninety (90) days
6 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DOTr, in coordination with the LTO, LTFRB, SSS,
7 
PhilHealth, DOLE, TESDA, DOST, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the
8 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), shall promulgate the rules
9 
and regulations necessary to implement this Act. Further, the IRR shall include the
10 
guidelines for the allocation of the fund for subsidizing the SSS and PhilHealth premiums
11 
of the members of the tricycle sector and the programs that will benefit them.
12 
Sec. 19. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
13 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not otherwise
14 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
15 
Sec. 20. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
16 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, ordinance, or regulation contrary
17 
to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or
18 
amended accordingly.
19 
Sec. 21. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
20 
following its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,