CEBU CITY — To address the needs and protect the welfare of riders of motorcycles and motorcycles for hire, popularly known here as habal-habal, the Cebu City Council has approved the creation of a dedicated office to oversee and support this sector.

The decision was made during the regular session on Wednesday, with the council passing the consolidated proposed ordinance authored by Councilors Pastor Alcover Jr. and Rey Gealon.

The new office, officially named the Motorcycle-for-Hire Riders and Motorcycle Riders Coordinating and Welfare Office (MMCWO), will focus on consolidating and organizing various organizations and associations of riders.

This initiative aims to ensure efficient and orderly delivery of benefits and programs for riders by the Cebu City government.

Councilor Alcover highlighted that the creation of the MMCWO aligns with the goals of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama's Executive Order 8, Series of 2023, which established the Cebu City Habal-habal Drivers' Coordinating Office.

However, the new ordinance introduces a distinct emphasis on differentiating between motorcycle-for-hire riders and regular motorcycle riders.

Under Section 3(a) of the proposed ordinance, motorcycle-for-hire riders are defined as "habal-habal" riders, recognized as a form of public transportation in both upland and some urban villages in the city.

Motorcycle riders, on the other hand, are identified as individuals who do not fall under the "habal-habal" category but are verified residents and registered voters of Cebu City, possessing a driver's license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and/or owning a registered motorcycle with the LTO.

The MMCWO will be tasked with several critical functions, including consolidating a database of accredited motorcycle-for-hire riders, creating linkages with various motorcycle rider associations and implementing welfare programs for both motorcycle-for-hire riders and regular motorcycle riders.

Additionally, reflectorized vests with matching numbers will be provided to legitimate habal-habal drivers to ensure their easy recognition by passengers, a measure already initiated by Rama in February.

During the council session, minor amendments were made to Section 4 of the proposed ordinance, as suggested by Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera. These amendments included the addition of an organizational structure and functional chart for the MMCWO's composition.

While the ordinance has been approved by the city council, details regarding the appointment of the executive director and the location of the MMCWO office are yet to be finalized.

The proposed ordinance now awaits the approval of the city mayor to be fully enacted.